Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s drastic tax hikes for corporations and wealthy New Yorkers are polarizing voters, and the fallout could reshape the future of New York City. A recent poll reveals a stark divide: while nearly half of respondents support taxing corporations to fund public services, opposition rises sharply when they realize this could drive businesses away.
A notable 48% initially backed an increase in corporate taxes to finance essential services like public transit and affordable housing. However, support plummets to just 36% when voters consider the consequences of such taxes potentially driving businesses out of the city. This highlights a critical concern among New Yorkers about economic stability and business viability in Gotham.
The poll further explored proposals for public spending funded through wealth taxes. When asked about the idea of free public buses funded by a wealth tax, only 42% favored the plan, with a significant 47% opposed. In another instance, while 53% supported Mamdani’s call for city-run grocery stores to combat high food prices, 35% expressed their disapproval—reflecting skepticism about government intervention in the marketplace.
Mamdani’s tax agenda didn’t stop there. He suggested a new 2% tax on millionaires and a redistribution of the property tax burden, strategically targeting wealthier neighborhoods. However, only 51% favored freezing rents on regulated apartments despite the potential tax increase on millionaires, showcasing a reluctance to deepen tax burdens on anyone.
When it comes to the most pressing issues facing the city, voters are split, with 21% naming housing affordability and another 21% pointing to crime and violence. The discontent is palpable—93% of respondents agree that New York City is in an affordability crisis, while 80% feel the city is increasingly catering only to the affluent.
Mamdani, as the Democratic frontrunner in a deeply blue New York, faces pressure from established contenders. He risks alienating moderate voters with his controversial proposals, particularly as Governor Kathy Hochul has shown reluctance to endorse such extensive tax increases.
The sense of despair is evident, with 72% of New Yorkers feeling they are struggling to achieve the American Dream despite their hard work. A staggering 61% report stagnant incomes, while 56% admit to grappling each month with their rent or mortgage.
As the campaign unfolds, it’s clear: Mamdani’s radical taxation proposals could push New Yorkers further into hardship. With only 15% believing the city is on the right track, the message is loud and clear—voters are demanding solutions that prioritize their economic well-being over unchecked spending. The city’s future hangs in the balance, and it’s time for a steadfast vision that champions prosperity for all New Yorkers.
