Summary of Poll Results on Zohran Mamdani’s Tax Proposals for New York City
Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani has proposed raising taxes on corporations and New York’s wealthiest residents to address pressing issues like affordable housing and public transit. However, a recent poll conducted by the Honan Strategy Group reveals mixed reactions among voters regarding these proposals. Among participants, 48% supported increasing the corporate tax on local businesses for initiatives like free public transit, but support dwindled to just 36% when they were informed that such measures could potentially drive businesses out of the city. This indicates a clear concern among voters about the economic implications of tax increases.
In terms of wealth taxation, only 42% of respondents supported using a wealth tax to fund free public buses, with 47% opposed and 11% unsure. Meanwhile, Mamdani’s proposal for city-run grocery stores aimed at lowering food prices found somewhat favorable reception; 53% of voters supported it, albeit a significant 35% opposed it. Support remained robust for certain tax measures, such as a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments, which garnered 51% backing when linked to increased taxes on millionaires. This divide showcases that while there is interest in addressing affordability, opinions on fiscal strategies vary widely.
Housing affordability and crime emerged as the leading concerns among voters, with 21% citing each as the most pressing issue facing the city. Other concerns included Donald Trump, corruption, and general quality-of-life issues. As the Democratic frontrunner in New York’s mayoral race, Mamdani will face incumbent Eric Adams, ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and independent Jim Walden. This competitive landscape underscores the urgency for Mamdani to refine his proposals while also addressing the needs and concerns of voters.
Pollster Bradley Honan pointed out the disparity between recognizing financial burdens and agreeing on proposed solutions. Although there is a consensus that New York City is unaffordable, with 93% of respondents acknowledging this crisis, proposed tax measures face skepticism, especially given the need for approval from Albany, where Governor Kathy Hochul has so far shown reluctance to endorse such plans. This disconnect raises questions about how viable Mamdani’s initiatives are in the political landscape.
Voter sentiments were further illustrated by a significant portion of respondents feeling economically strained. A striking 72% indicated that their families were struggling to achieve the American Dream despite hard work, while 61% reported stagnant personal income. Moreover, 56% expressed difficulties meeting rent or mortgage obligations, highlighting the impact of rising costs on everyday New Yorkers. Inflation also emerged as a concern, with nearly two-thirds of voters stating they experienced moderate to significant financial hardship over the past year.
Lastly, confidence in the city’s direction is troubling, with only 15% believing New York is on the right track, compared to 53% who feel it is headed in the wrong direction. This alarming sentiment underscores voters’ frustrations with the current state of affairs and emphasizes the need for effective leadership and tangible solutions. The mobile survey, conducted with 817 likely voters shortly after Mamdani’s primary win, reflects a margin of error of +/-3.42%, revealing a community deeply concerned yet divided over how best to address the city’s challenges.
