Mayor Questions Assemblyman’s Legislative Record And “Give Everything Away Free” Platform Amid Surging Primary Bid
New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched a sharp critique on Fox Business Thursday against Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who recently announced his bid for mayor. Mamdani’s surprising surge in the Democratic mayoral primary has prompted discussions among analysts about a potential leftward shift within the party in future elections.
During his appearance on Fox News’ “Kudlow,” Mayor Adams directly challenged Mamdani’s legislative effectiveness during his tenure in Albany. “He’s an assemblyman. He didn’t do it when he was in Albany. He had the power to do many of the things he stated now after four years in Albany,” Adams stated. “He did not pass one bill. So either he doesn’t understand the role of a mayor or he’s intentionally misleading people who are looking for help around the affordability issue.”
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Adams further highlighted what he sees as fundamental differences between his approach and Mamdani’s.
“Are we facing one who wants to defund our police or one who believes that law enforcement is a prerequisite to our prosperity?” Adams asked, referring to Mamdani’s proposals for reducing police presence.
He continued, “And one that understands that a healthy financial ecosystem includes bringing in large companies to hire everyday employees so that they could have a quality of life? And I think what is most troubling about what the socialist candidate is stating is his calls to give everything away free.”
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The Mayor also questioned Mamdani’s proposed funding mechanisms for his ambitious plans, particularly the idea of raising income taxes. “Mayors don’t have the power to raise income taxes. That is, what is the basis of all the things he’s going to pay for? Assemblymen have that power,” Adams pointed out.
Mamdani, who represents the 36th District in Queens and has served in the New York State Assembly since January 1, 2021, has campaigned on a distinctly progressive platform.
His proposals include taxpayer-funded initiatives such as free public transportation, universal childcare, and city-operated grocery stores. He has also advocated for reducing police presence in New York City and has faced considerable scrutiny for his strong anti-Israel views.
Addressing concerns about his stance on Israel and broader leadership, Mamdani told Jen Psaki, “My message is that I am looking to lead this entire city, to represent each and every New Yorker. And that representation is not contingent on whether or not someone votes for me or someone agrees with me, because the responsibility of a leader is to reach out to all eight and a half million people who call this city their home.”
On Wednesday, Mamdani also pledged to increase funding for hate crime programs in the city by 800% to combat antisemitism.
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Despite Mayor Adams’ assertion that Mamdani “did not pass one bill,” records show that Mamdani has introduced over 20 bills during his time in the Assembly.
However, Mamdani’s legislative record has faced other criticisms. He has been absent for 50% of the Assembly votes in 2025, marking the highest absentee rate among all members.
Additionally, some of his more ambitious proposals, such as universal childcare and fare-free transit, have not advanced through the legislative process.
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