State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, at an endorsement rally for Democratic mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani , said Wednesday he will work with the democratic socialist to boost taxes on New York’s wealthiest residents, setting up a likely showdown in Albany with Gov, Kathy Hochul.
Hochul, who endorsed Mamdani just days ago, is facing a difficult path to re-election in 2026 and has said the issue is a nonstarter for her.
“Millionaire taxes poll extremely well,” Heastie said from the Northeast Bronx YMCA, appearing alongside Mamdani to formally endorse his mayoral campaign. “I do think there will be a robust discussion on revenue raises next year.”
The looming conflict over taxes points to a key challenge Mamdani is likely to face over his plans to fund his affordability agenda