Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a Democratic mayoral primary debate, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in New York. Yuki Iwamura/Pool via REUTERS
Zohran Mamdani's victory in New York City's mayoral primary sent shockwaves through the city's business community. Now, multiple business titans are scrambling to find a way to stop Mamdani from becoming the next mayor.
The New York Times reported on Thursday that New York City business owners met with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams to hatch a plot to stop Mamdani's rise. The plan seemed to revolve around supporting Adams' bid for mayor as an independent. Adams was previously elected as a Democrat, but has drifted away from the mainstream party platform in recent years.
Several business owners expressed concern about Mamdani's policy platform, especially his tax policies, and how they could impact their businesses going forward.
Whitney Tilson, a former hedge fund manager, told The Times that Mamdani is a "Trojan Horse" who is “totally unqualified to be mayor of one of the world’s largest, most complex cities."
Scott Rechler, who owns multiple rental properties in the city, said he would back Adams in the general election because Mamdani doesn't represent New York City.
“You want to have leadership that speaks to what New York is,” Rechler told the outlet. “It’s the capital of capitalism.”
Mamdani's campaign largely focused on the cost of living, which seemed to resonate with New York City voters. Mamdani has also promised to pursue free public transportation and child care if he is elected to the Mayor's office.
Adams described Mamdani as a "snake-oil salesman" in an interview on the Fox News show "Fox & Friends" early Thursday morning.