NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani says ‘I don't think we should have billionaires'
Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, was asked directly whether 'billionaires have a right to exist' and he responded: 'I don't think we should have billionaires because frankly it is so much money in a moment of such inequality.'
The political upstart's comments come days after his shocking Democratic primary victory over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani campaigned on a radical vision of remaking a city seen by many as the mecca of the world's rich and powerful.
'Ultimately what we need more of is equality across the city and across the state and country,' Mamdani told Meet the Press. 'I look forward to working with everyone including billionaires to make a city that is fair for all of us.'
His comments on the richest of the rich come as some of his closest allies, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, travel across the U.S. on their 'fighting oligarchy' tour.
The New York state Assembly member's platform excited progressives with plans that included promises to freeze rents in regulated apartments and make buses free.
He also supports a 2% tax on residents earning above $1 million annually and raising the corporate tax rate to 11.5%. But he wouldn't have the authority to raise taxes as mayor.
Mamdani, 33, has not stated a plan to take money from billionaires.
The young left-wing candidate's ascendancy spooked rich, politically-active donors. A Super PAC backing Cuomo spent $24 million, much of it raised from Trump donors such as hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and real estate executive Steven Roth, along with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Cuomo is expected to remain on the ballot for mayor in November, USA TODAY previously reported. Current Mayor Eric Adams will also run against Mamdani as an independent.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Billionaires shouldn't exist, says expected NYC mayoral nominee
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