Former Governor Brands Assemblyman a "Rich Impostor" in Housing Debate
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, who is running for mayor, faced sharp criticism from former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who labeled him a "wealthy individual" monopolizing affordable housing intended for homeless New Yorkers. Cuomo’s comments came in a pointed social media post on Friday, accompanied by a video in which Mamdani acknowledged his $2,300 monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Astoria, Queens, a highly sought-after neighborhood.
"Last night, a single mother and her kids spent the night in a homeless shelter because you, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, are taking up her rent-controlled apartment," Cuomo stated in a tweet that has garnered over 19 million views since its release.
Mamdani’s residence of choice, as highlighted by Cuomo, contrasts starkly with the struggles faced by many in the city. The former governor didn’t hold back: "You grew up wealthy and married into even more affluence. You’ve hosted weddings on three continents, and you own property in Uganda," he said, underscoring Mamdani’s $142,000 base salary along with the income from his illustrator wife, Rama Duwaji.
Earlier this year, the couple married at the City Clerk’s office, then celebrated their union with an extravagant engagement and wedding event in Dubai, followed by a lavish three-day celebration at a luxurious family estate in Uganda, complete with high-security measures that Cuomo also highlighted.
Cuomo continued, "No matter how you slice it, Zohran Mamdani is indeed affluent. You are genuinely well-off. You and your wife pay $2,300 monthly for a pleasant apartment in Astoria. That housing should be available for someone in need. We’re experiencing an unprecedented affordability crisis; millions of low-income New Yorkers require apartments like yours, yet it remains occupied by the affluent."
Cuomo then issued a direct appeal: "I urge you to vacate immediately and return this housing to families in need. Leadership requires moral clarity. It’s time to move out."
Mamdani has previously expressed intentions to relocate from his low-rent apartment, stating in a February interview with the New York Editorial Board that he discovered the listing on StreetEasy while working as a foreclosure prevention counselor earning $47,000 per year, asserting he was unaware it was a rent-stabilized unit.
Currently, the average rent for a one-bedroom in Astoria nears $3,000, which translates to a yearly savings of approximately $8,400 for Mamdani compared to many of his constituents.
"I’ve transitioned into an assemblymember role and am now capable of affording that apartment while planning to move out," Mamdani said. "I do not intend to remain in that apartment indefinitely."
Mamdani’s representatives did not promptly respond to inquiries for a statement.
Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi criticized Mamdani’s stance, stating, "The truth can sting, and it reveals that Mamdani is exploiting a system designed to assist those lacking privilege." Azzopardi acknowledged the backlash from Mamdani’s supporters, saying, "but the commentary I observe is filled with New Yorkers who find his hypocrisy appalling."
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