Staten Island lawmakers Revive Secession Push Following Mamdani Victory
STATEN ISLAND, NY – Staten Island politicians are renewing efforts to explore secession from New York City in the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral bid, fueled by long-held frustrations over feeling politically marginalized. Assemblyman Michael Morano has introduced legislation aiming for a feasibility study on Staten Island’s potential independence, a move he frames as a “balanced approach” to address widespread pro-secession sentiment.
Previous attempts at similar legislation, introduced by former Republican Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli in 2019 adn 2022, stalled in committee. Morano, though, believes his bill will differ by avoiding advocacy for outright secession. “I represent a community that is very pro-secession in sentiment – I’d say at least 60% – but personally, I’m concerned that full independence could lead to higher taxes and higher costs for Staten Islanders,” he stated. “Rather than just trading slogans… this bill is meant to be a balanced approach that both sides should be able to live with.”
Morano ultimately envisions a referendum allowing Staten Island residents to decide their own fate. “Staten Island should be able to decide its own fate,” he said. “It’s the most frustrating thing in the world for Staten Islanders to vote for elected officials… and no matter how we vote,we are dismissed by policymakers by the rest of the city.”
State Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Staten Island) recently galvanized the movement with a rally on Richmond road, where he read a “Staten Island Independence Declaration.”
Staten Island, with roughly 500,000 residents, is the city’s least populated borough. However, it is larger than cities like Miami, Tampa, Oakland, and Cleveland and would become the second largest city in new York state if self-reliant.
Senator Andrew Lanza believes a victory for upstate Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 2026 gubernatorial race against incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul could bolster the secession cause, perhaps bringing it to a vote.
A May 2024 study by the city’s Independent Budget Office, requested by Councilman Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn), cautioned that secession could be costly for Staten Island.The report concluded that independence would likely result in higher expenses for residents, reduced benefits and services, or both.
Mamdani declined to comment on the renewed secession efforts, and a representative for Stefanik did not instantly respond to requests for comment.
