hochul Heckled with ‘Tax the Rich’ chants at Mamdani Rally Backed by Sanders, AOC
NEW YORK, NY – June 18, 2025 – New York Governor kathy Hochul faced pointed heckling from attendees chanting “Tax the Rich” during a rally Sunday supporting mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The event, held in support of Mamdani’s campaign, featured appearances from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, highlighting a growing rift within the Democratic party over taxation policy.
Mamdani’s proposed tax plan, which would impose a 2% income tax on New York City residents earning over $1 million annually and raise the corporate tax rate from 7.25% to 11.5% - matching New Jersey’s rate – has drawn criticism from Hochul,who stated plainly,”No,” when asked if she supported the plan. “I’m not raising taxes at a time were affordability is the big issue,” she told PIX 11. The governor’s opposition underscores concerns that increased taxes could exacerbate the ongoing trend of residents and businesses relocating to states with lower tax burdens, like Florida.
The rally served as a show of force for Mamdani, currently leading in polls, as he seeks to unseat the incumbent mayor. Sanders cautioned supporters against complacency, urging them to campaign as if they were trailing by five points despite favorable polling data. “They have a huge amount of money, and they are spending it right now,” Sanders warned, referencing Mamdani’s well-funded opponents.
Ocasio-Cortez echoed Sanders’ call to action, characterizing former Governor Andrew Cuomo – who is opposing Mamdani – as representing an “insufficient eroded bygone political establishment.” She stated, “In nine short days, we will work our hearts out to elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani as the next mayor of the great city of New York.”
Early voting is already underway for the mayoral election, with Election Day scheduled for November 4th.the race is shaping up to be a key test of progressive policies in one of the nation’s largest cities, and the debate over taxation is central to the campaign.
