DeSantis warns Mamdani victory would hurt NYC but benefit the GOP

Ron DeSantis said Zohran Mamdani’s progressive agenda would worsen New York City’s issues while fueling a broader Republican resurgence
PUBLISHED OCT 28, 2025
Ron DeSantis said Zohran Mamdani’s victory would be bad for New York City but good for Republicans (Getty Images)
Ron DeSantis said Zohran Mamdani’s victory would be bad for New York City but good for Republicans (Getty Images)

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said a potential victory for progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani in New York City would be good for Republicans but bad for the city. Speaking at a campaign stop, DeSantis argued that Mamdani’s left-wing policies would deepen the city’s challenges and drive more voters toward the GOP.

Ron DeSantis sounds alarm over Mamdani’s rise

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 08: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to the media about the cruise industry d
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke to the media about state and national politics in Miami, Florida (Getty Images)

While many conservatives see Mamdani’s rise and possible victory in the New York City mayoral race as a warning sign for Democrats, DeSantis took a different approach. He said Mamdani’s win would ultimately benefit Republicans by showing voters the consequences of far-left governance. 

Retweeting Elon Musk's post about Mamdani, DeSantis wrote on X, “Assuming he gets elected, Mamdani will be the most prominent Democrat in America the day he takes office. Voters across the country will be able to watch his leftist agenda in action and know that his path is the Democrat path nationally. Will be good for Republicans, bad for New York City.”

Sharing a video of Mamdani’s rally in New York City on Sunday, Musk voiced concerns about the Democratic Socialist’s growing popularity. “Zohran is the future of the Democratic Party,” he wrote.

American socialists forget lessons of history 

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 19: Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) holds hands
Senator Bernie Sanders held hands with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a campaign event (Getty Images)

Republicans argue that the history of socialist regimes—such as the Soviet Union, Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, and China—already shows the dangers of such ideologies. The atrocities committed under Stalin and Mao, they claim, should serve as a warning. Yet America’s new wave of Democratic Socialists appears undeterred by those lessons. 

Zohran Mamdani leads in New York mayoral race

Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, attends an endorsement event from the union DC 37 on July 15, 2025, in New York City. Weeks after Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor, various wealthy interest groups have begun to mobilize against the 33-year-old state assemblyman. Mamdani has vowed to freeze rent hikes for a year, make buses free, and increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that he will continue his run for New York City mayor after losing to Zohran Mamdani in last month's Democratic primary. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Zohran Mamdani attended a union endorsement event in New York City after winning the Democratic primary (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Election Day is next week, with early voting already underway in a closely watched contest drawing national attention. Polls show Mamdani, a New York State Assemblyman, leading former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an Independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

Zohran Mamdani’s left-wing agenda

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 26: New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani (C) salutes with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), left, and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), right, during an election rally at Forest Hills Stadium on October 26, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. The mayoral election will take place on November 4, 2025. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)
Zohran Mamdani saluted with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a rally in Queens, New York (Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)

Mamdani, who identifies as a Democratic Socialist, has pushed for policies like free bus rides, universal childcare, and government-owned grocery stores.

“As Mayor, Zohran will immediately freeze rent for all stabilized tenants and use every available resource to build the housing New Yorkers need,” his campaign site states.

Conservatives have labeled Mamdani a far-left radical, accusing him of proposing race-based property tax increases.

Top Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Kathy Hochul. have endorsed Mamdani. Senators Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have also thrown their support behind him.

The rally theme, 'New York Is Not For Sale', reflected Mamdani’s pledge to take on billionaires and special interests funding his rivals.

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