New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani is doubling down on his pledge to raise taxes on corporations and New York’s wealthiest residents — staking out a position that could put him on a collision course with his newest political ally, Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Speaking at a rally in The Bronx alongside members of 1199SEIU, an influential health care union, Mamdani claimed: “The proposal we put forward would raise $9 billion and we would also raise an additional $1 billion from savings and reforms that can be done at the city level.”

The Queens assemblyman, who identifies as a democratic socialist, has made the tax hikes a cornerstone of his campaign, arguing that higher levies on corporations and the top 1 to 2 percent of earners would bring New York in line with neighboring states. He has promised to use the windfall to fund free buses, childcare, and city-run grocery stores, while also pledging to slash NYPD overtime spending, which now tops $1 billion annually.

The proposal sits uneasily with Hochul, who in June flatly rejected raising state taxes, warning that such moves risk driving wealthy New Yorkers to “Palm Beach.” The governor, who formally endorsed Mamdani earlier this month, has avoided spelling out how her administration would mesh with a mayor intent on upending her tax posture.

The tension underscores a tricky political dynamic: Hochul is gearing up for a tough 2026 reelection fight against Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, with her suburban support already fraying, even as she seeks to consolidate progressive voters in New York City by backing Mamdani.

Mamdani enters the final stretch of the race with a commanding lead ahead of the Nov. 4 general election in the heavily Democratic city. His rivals include Republican Curtis Sliwa, as well as Democrats running as independents — including embattled incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Despite her endorsement, Hochul has yet to explain how she intends to navigate policy disputes with a potential Mamdani administration, particularly on taxes. For Mamdani, however, the issue is non-negotiable — and one he shows no sign of tempering even as he prepares to assume the city’s top job.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)