Heritage Foundation research fellow EJ Antoni has raised concerns about the potential economic impact of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s proposed policies, which he has criticized as ‘economically illiterate’. This assessment follows Mamdani’s strong position in the Democratic primary for the 2025 New York City mayoral race. Antoni, a vocal advocate for limited government and free-market principles, argues that Mamd, who has consistently called for significant social welfare programs and progressive taxation, lacks the economic expertise necessary to manage the city’s complex fiscal landscape.
The critique comes amid growing discussions about the challenges of balancing social programs with budget constraints in a major metropolitan area. Critics like Antoni warn that without sound fiscal management, Mamdani’s policies could lead to unsustainable public debt, reduced services, and potential financial instability. Meanwhile, his supporters argue that his focus on social equity and wealth redistribution is essential for addressing systemic inequalities in New York City.