Overview
- Democratic Socialists of America rallied for new levies as state lawmakers introduced a 2% city income surcharge on earnings over $1 million, with Governor Kathy Hochul resisting income and MTA funding hikes.
- Lina Khan, a transition cochair, said the mayor can use the city’s consumer and worker protection agency to sue corporate lawbreakers, while tax moves would require cooperation from the council and state officials.
- Mamdani said his transition raised $1 million, drawing online criticism, with required contribution and spending disclosures due to the New York City Campaign Finance Board on Dec. 5.
- A senior transition official, Hassaan Chaudhary, apologized for past antisemitic social‑media posts as Jewish leaders and commentators voiced ongoing concerns about rhetoric and community safety.
- Conservative backlash escalated with Jon Voight warning of dire outcomes and President Trump signaling limited federal help, while Rep. Elise Stefanik pressed the case that Hochul would enable—or could check—Mamdani’s agenda.