Thursday, October 1, 2026
New York City is at a crossroads. After years of rising costs, intensifying crime and population loss, the next mayoral election will be a pivotal decision point for the city, as well as for the entire state. The policies pursued by New York City’s leadership often set the tone for statewide initiatives. That’s why Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s success in the Democratic primary should concern every New Yorker.
As the ranking Republican member of the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, I’ve spent years evaluating fiscal policy and advocating for common-sense, responsible government. And I can say with confidence: The Democratic Socialists of America’s agenda is unaffordable, and arguably even dangerous.
Mamdani is a self-identified democratic socialist who has made no secret of his radical goals. The DSA platform includes defunding police departments, abolishing prisons, dramatically expanding government ownership of housing and taxing successful businesses and individuals into submission. These ideas may score points with far-left activists, but they don’t reflect the values or address the needs of most New Yorkers.
Let’s start with public safety. Since 2019, New York City has seen a rise in violent crime. Murders, assaults and hate crimes have all increased. Focusing on solutions that support law enforcement would be a reasonable approach, but Mamdani and his allies in the DSA continue to back policies that would make our neighborhoods less safe. He has advocated for decarceration measures and opposed investments in police staffing and training. Most people would agree that’s not what reform looks like.
Housing is another crucial issue. Like many, I believe we need more affordable housing. But Mamdani’s solution isn’t to encourage responsible development; it’s to wage war on private property owners. He championed the Good Cause Eviction bill, which would strip landlords of basic rights and discourage investment in rental housing. The result would be fewer units, deteriorating buildings and more people left behind.
Then there’s the economy. Under one-party rule in Albany, taxes and spending have ascended to unsustainable levels. Despite warnings from fiscal experts across the political spectrum, Mamdani wants to push things even further. He has called for massive tax hikes on individuals and businesses to fund a growing list of government programs.
New York already has one of the highest tax burdens in the country. The consequences couldn’t be clearer. Families, and employers, are leaving in droves. Since 2020, more than a half-million people have moved out of our state. We simply can’t afford policies that accelerate that trend.
Reckless tax hikes would drive away the very people who fuel New York’s economy. Attracting investment and innovation are what keep our state competitive and prosperous. Pushing people further away with punitive policies risks degrading New York into an unrecognizable shadow of its former self.
What’s perhaps most concerning is that, should Mamdani win the mayor’s race, he’ll need the support of the State Legislature to accomplish much of his agenda. The Legislature must stand as a bulwark against these extreme proposals. My Republican colleagues and I intend to do just that. Fiscal sanity, public safety and increasing opportunities for New Yorkers are at the core of our New York First agenda.
I understand the frustration many voters feel. New York City has serious problems, and the political establishment hasn’t always delivered. Mamdani’s campaign may be packaged in youth and energy, but his positions are deeply out of touch and downright troubling. New York needs leadership that respects our diverse communities, understands how to create jobs and knows the difference between aspiration and extremism.
The next mayor of New York City won’t just lead the five boroughs — he could reshape state policy for years to come. That should concern every New Yorker. We deserve better than an ideological experiment. No matter who sits in City Hall, I will continue fighting for an affordable, efficient state where people want to live and raise their families.
Ed Ra, of Franklin Square, represents the 19th Assembly District.
