NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani draws elite support for wealth tax plans and backlash over Columbus statue post.

Wall Street Elites and Business Leaders Back Socialist Candidate

Despite his calls for higher taxes on the wealthy, New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has garnered notable support from several millionaires and business figures. Among them is venture capitalist James Hueston, who leads a group called the Mamdani Millionaires. Hueston explained, "I should absolutely be paying my fair share for the people that need it." He emphasized that Mamdani’s tax proposals are designed to fund explicit social policies rather than penalize success.

Approximately one-third of the city’s wealthiest residents reportedly supported Mamdani in the primary, according to voting data cited by the New York Post. Many donors come from Wall Street and major law firms, with some preferring to remain anonymous. Ahmed Haque, founder of Didactic Labs, and prominent restaurateur Keith McNally have also publicly endorsed Mamdani’s candidacy, citing his focus on upward mobility and inclusive growth for New Yorkers.

Kathy Wylde, president of the influential Partnership for New York City, noted that Mamdani has engaged with business leaders and acknowledged the importance of expanding private housing supply to address the city’s ongoing housing crisis. Wylde stated that Mamdani "is not just talking about social or socialized housing solutions."

Columbus Statue Photo Sparks Outcry

While Mamdani’s progressive agenda has energized supporters, his past social media activity has fueled controversy. A 2020 photo recently resurfaced showing Mamdani raising his middle finger toward a statue of Christopher Columbus in Astoria, Queens. The post, captioned "Take it down," triggered backlash from the Italian-American community and conservatives online. Angelo Vivolo, president of the Columbus Heritage Coalition, condemned the gesture as disrespectful, warning that "if you offend one community, you offend all communities." Joseph Scelsa, president of the Italian American Museum, called the move exclusionary and stressed the significance of Columbus as a cultural symbol.

Prominent critics on social media echoed these sentiments, including actor Joe Piscopo and journalist Megan Basham. Others attacked Mamdani’s left-wing views and immigrant background, stoking debate over inclusion and political identity in the city.

A Divisive Figure Ahead of a Crowded General Election

Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist and was victorious in the Democratic primary, has faced ongoing criticism for his calls to defund the police and his shifting public persona. His opponents in the upcoming general election include current Mayor Eric Adams, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The controversy over the Columbus statue and Mamdani’s ambitious wealth redistribution proposals have made the race one of the most contentious in recent memory.

As the campaign intensifies, supporters see Mamdani as a champion for economic and social reform, while critics argue his rhetoric and record risk dividing the city. With the general election approaching, New Yorkers are set to decide whether Mamdani’s vision of wealth redistribution and social change will chart a new course for the city—or fuel further polarization in its politics.