Andrew Cuomo slams ‘very rich’ Zohran Mamdani for exploiting rent-controlled home: ‘Time to move out’

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has reignited his rivalry with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, accusing the New York City mayoral candidate of taking advantage of the city’s rent-stabilization program while enjoying a six-figure lifestyle.

In a sharp post on X on Friday, August 8, Cuomo claimed that Mamdani’s $2,300-a-month Astoria apartment, protected under rent-control laws, should be occupied by a low-income family in need.

Andrew Cuomo accuses Zohran Mamdani of exploiting NYC’ rent-stabilization program

“Somewhere last night in New York City, a single mother and her children slept at a homeless shelter because you, assemblyman, are occupying her rent-controlled apartment,” Andrew Cuomo wrote, referencing a video of Zohran Mamdani discussing his rent.

Cuomo accused Mamdani, whom he described as “very rich,” of benefiting from a system meant to protect vulnerable New Yorkers.

“You grew up rich and married an even wealthier woman. You’ve had weddings on 3 continents. You own property in LGBTQIA+ murderous Uganda. You make $142,000 a year plus stipends, and your wife works too, meaning you together likely make well over $200,000. No matter which way you cut it: Zohran Mamdani is a rich person. You are actually very rich,” he added. 

The former governor cited Mamdani’s privileged upbringing, high salary, his wife’s income, and his ownership of property abroad.

“You and your wife pay $2,300 a month for a nice apartment in Astoria. That should be housing for someone who needs it,” Cuomo said. “We are in the middle of a historic affordability crisis. Millions of low-income New Yorkers need this apartment and an apartment like it. Yet your apartment remains rented to rich people who don’t need it. Time to move out.”

The criticism comes amid an ongoing housing crunch in New York City, where the median rent now stands at $3,397, nearly $200 higher than last year, according to Realtor.com.

Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani, is now running as an independent, framing himself as a champion for “real affordability.” 

Andrew Cuomo’s attack on Zohran Mamdani’s rent sparks fierce online debate

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is under fire after former Governor Andrew Cuomo accused him of unfairly occupying a rent-stabilized apartment despite being “very rich.”

Andrew Cuomo’s post on X, which included a clip of Mamdani admitting he pays $2,300 a month in rent, sparked heated debate online.

Some commenters accused the Democratic Socialist lawmaker of exploiting a system meant to protect low-income residents. “Mamdani is more corrupt than I realized. He’s an expert in socialist fraud: rich, entitled, and hoarding housing to take it away from poor families who are forced to sleep in shelters. Disgusting!” one wrote.

“Preach!!! Yes — this is 100% right. Way too many wealthy New Yorkers abuse rent-stabilized units. People use them as pied-à-terres while they live elsewhere. People give them to friends. And rich kids abuse them. Zohran is a rich kid appealing to other rich kids,” another added.

Others mocked the idea that Mamdani should practice what he preaches. “Hang on, Andrew. Are you really asking a socialist to personally behave as he says he believes? Good luck,” one user quipped.

Not all criticism was aimed at Mamdani. Some turned their attention to Cuomo’s own privilege. “Dude! Your entire career was founded on your dad's gubernatorial legacy! Just because you've managed to sail through life without owning any property (sus!) because of your privileged family doesn't mean Zohran can't own property in the country he was born in!”

Another added, “Very funny bit to have Andrew Cuomo complaining about someone being rich.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.