Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio weighed in on the growing concerns about Zohran Mamdani’s far-left policy proposals during a recent appearance on ‘Fox News @ Night.’ De Blasio, who previously served as mayor of New York City from 2014 to 2022, dismissed the idea that Mamdani’s ideas represent a radical shift in Democratic policy. ‘I just think there’s a lot of exaggeration here,’ de Blasio said, arguing that the fears of a ‘radical’ shift under Mamdani are unfounded.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist endorsed by prominent figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, secured a significant victory in the Democratic primary after former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded. Despite the primary win, the race is not yet over, as a ranked choice voting process will determine the final outcome on July 1. Mamdani’s win has sparked anxiety among more moderate Democrats, who are concerned about the potential for more radical policies in a future mayoral administration.
De Blasio downplayed these fears, suggesting that many of Mamdani’s proposals—such as creating free bus networks, expanding grocery stores, and implementing rent control—have already been tested in other cities. He argued that these policies are not as groundbreaking or extreme as some have claimed. ‘These are not staggering ideas,’ De Blasio said, emphasizing that implementing such policies often requires legislative approval, which is not guaranteed. He also noted that the wealthy are likely to benefit from the recently passed ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ which provides generous tax cuts.
De Blasio further suggested that Mamdani’s success is due to his focus on ‘kitchen table issues’—affordability, rent, and basic living costs—which have been a central concern for many New Yorkers. He argued that Democrats have failed to prioritize these issues in the 2024 election cycle, leading to a generational shift in the party’s priorities. ‘Here’s someone who actually talked all day long about affordability, talked about rent. He talked about the basics of life, food, the whole thing that people are struggling to make ends meet,’ de Blasio said.
De Blasio also addressed concerns about potential defunding of police under a Mamdani administration. He predicted that while Mamdani’s policies may push for significant changes, they would not include defunding police forces. Instead, he believed Mamdani would focus on practical solutions that align with the needs of everyday New Yorkers. ‘I think in the end, he’s going to laser focus on the kinds of things that everyday New Yorkers want across the ideological spectrum here, across demographics, because this place is incredibly expensive, and working-class and middle class people are struggling to live here,’ De Blasio said.
The former mayor’s comments reflect a broader concern within the Democratic Party about the potential shift in policy direction following Mamdani’s primary victory. As the final outcome of the race remains uncertain, the debate over the future direction of New York City governance continues to intensify.