Indian-origin Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic Party’s nomination for New York City Mayor after defeating former NYC Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Zohran Mamdani’s surprising victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary has stirred intense reactions online—especially after a Philadelphia CEO questioned the financial feasibility of Mamdani’s campaign pledges in a widely shared LinkedIn post.
Michael Spivak, CEO of All American Home Care, shared his concerns in a post that quickly ignited debate. Highlighting Mamdani’s key proposals—such as free childcare, fare-free bus service, affordable housing, and low-cost food stores—Spivak asked, “Please explain this to me. Who is paying for all of this?”
The post has since sparked hundreds of replies, with LinkedIn users deeply divided over Mamdani’s agenda and political identity as a Democratic Socialist.
Online Reactions: Praise, Criticism, and Misinformation
While some praised Mamdani’s focus on working-class needs, others expressed concern or hostility. One commenter wrote, “NYC will soon be called NewYorkstan,” referencing perceived extremism in Mamdani’s platform. Another user baselessly accused Mamdani of “wanting to eradicate the Jewish people and the State of Israel,” drawing backlash for spreading misinformation and promoting hate.
Mamdani, 33, unseated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primary, positioning himself as a bold progressive voice with an emphasis on social justice, economic equity, and public service expansion.
What Mamdani Promised
- Free Bus Service: Mamdani wants to eliminate fares on all MTA buses across the city.
- Subway Fare Freeze: He has pledged to halt any further increases to subway fare prices.
- Universal Childcare: His plan includes free care for all children from six weeks to five years old.
- Affordable Housing and Food Access: He’s also advocating for low-cost grocery options and stronger rent protections.
To fund these initiatives, Mamdani proposes raising the city’s corporate tax and adding a 2% income tax on individuals earning over $1 million annually.
“This is a city where one in four people live in poverty, and 500,000 kids go to sleep hungry,” Mamdani told the BBC. “New York can and should work for everyone—not just the wealthy few.”
He’s also pledged support for LGBTQ+ rights, including expanding access to gender-affirming care and offering sanctuary protections to undocumented immigrants.
As the general election approaches, Mamdani’s policies—and how to pay for them—are likely to remain front and center in both public debate and campaign strategy.
