Mamdani Avoids Bernie Sanders’ Bronx ‘Tax the Rich’ Rally Amid Leftist Legislation Tensions with Hochul

A Rally for Fair Taxes in the Bronx

Thousands of supporters gathered at Lehman College’s performing arts center in the Bronx for a “Tax the Rich” rally featuring Senator Bernie Sanders. The event, which drew at least 1,000 attendees, highlighted the push for a more progressive tax system that places a greater burden on the wealthy. Sanders, known for his advocacy of economic equality, used the platform to emphasize the stark disparity between the tax rates paid by billionaires and average workers.

“[Elon Musk], the wealthiest man alive, paid an effective tax rate of less than 3.3%, while the average truck driver in America paid an effective tax rate of 8.4%,” Sanders said, prompting the crowd to respond with boos and chants of “Shame! Shame!”

Sanders argued that the current tax system is fundamentally unfair and called for a national effort to ensure that those with the most resources contribute their fair share. His remarks echoed a broader movement pushing for higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy, including a proposed 5% tax on individuals worth $1 billion or more.

The rally also brought attention to the political tensions between New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul. While Mamdani has been advocating for a state-level tax on high earners—specifically a 2% surcharge on New Yorkers earning $1 million or more—Hochul has resisted, citing concerns about the impact on the state’s budget.

This conflict has created a delicate balancing act for both leaders as they navigate the approaching June budget deadlines and November elections. Despite the tension, Mamdani chose not to appear at the rally, instead sending representatives to speak on his behalf. However, the event still served as a powerful reminder of the public demand for change.

“I would ask Gov. Hochul listen to where the people are at,” Sanders said. “The people of this city, the people of this state, the people of this country, do not want to see our kids go hungry. Do not want to see people sleep out on the street lack health care. They want the very rich to start paying their fair share of taxes.”

Over the past few months, the relationship between Mamdani and Hochul has seen moments of both conflict and cooperation. In February, Hochul allocated over a billion dollars to New York City to help address its budget shortfall. Shortly after, Mamdani threatened to increase property taxes by nearly 10% if Hochul did not support his tax proposal on the wealthy. However, Mamdani later endorsed Hochul’s re-election campaign, raising questions about whether she is waiting to secure her position before moving forward on the tax measure.

Despite these political dynamics, the rally demonstrated the strong grassroots support for Mamdani’s agenda. Attendees like Rowshon Sharker, a Bronx resident, emphasized the importance of the people’s voice in shaping policy.

“I want to say Gov. Hochul — you are the governor because of these people,” Sharker said. “These people voted for you. Mamdani trying to do his job, but we are the part of the people. We are here to say the words. We elected Mamdani for our basic needs, right, universal child care, housing and every point.”

Leaders from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) also took the opportunity to hold Hochul accountable. Grace Mausser, co-chair of the city DSA, stated that Hochul owes it to the people to support the tax on the wealthy.

“She is a public servant, and she owes us the decency of listening to us,” Mausser said. “The people of New York have put her there, and the people of New York want to tax the rich. So if she wants to stay in office, she should do it too.”

Some attendees were unfazed by Mamdani’s absence at the rally, emphasizing the long-standing strategy of working with elected officials to advance progressive causes. Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the DSA, said the movement aims to pressure Hochul to take a stand.

“We’re here to build an agitational movement that’s going to force the governor to tax the rich, and that’s what the mayor wants as well. We want to tell Hochul she needs to choose a side, whether she’s on the side of the working class in New York or on the side of the billionaires and the 1%.”