(TJV NEWS) Zohran Mamdani, the leading Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, is facing heavy criticism for living in a rent-stabilized apartment charging just $2,300 a month — a situation many say is unfair given his high income and affluent family background, according to the New York Post.

Mamdani, who makes about $142,000 a year as a state assemblyman, resides in an Astoria, Queens apartment he has occupied for several years. His family is well-off: his mother is a filmmaker, his father a Columbia University professor, and his wife also brings in a significant income, NY Post reports.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been especially vocal about the issue, publicly calling out Mamdani on social media for holding onto affordable housing while countless New Yorkers struggle with soaring rents and homelessness.

“Somewhere last night in New York City, a single mother and her children slept at a homeless shelter because you, assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, are occupying her rent-controlled apartment,” Cuomo wrote on X, sharing a video of Mamdani discussing his $2,300 monthly rent.

Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani and is now running against him as an independent in the general election, demanded Mamdani give up the apartment to a family in need. He pointed to Mamdani’s wealthy upbringing, six-figure salary, ownership of property abroad, and his wife’s earnings as proof the low rent is inappropriate for their household.

“No matter which way you cut it: Zohran Mamdani is a rich person,” Cuomo stated. “You are actually very rich. Yet you and your wife pay $2,300 a month, as you have bragged, for a nice apartment in Astoria. That should be housing for someone who needs it.”

Cuomo also highlighted the city’s worsening housing affordability crisis, noting that the median rent recently hit $3,397 — almost $200 higher than last year. He emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing for millions of low-income residents.

“Today, I am calling on you to move out immediately and give your affordable housing back to an unhoused family who need it,” Cuomo added. “Leaders must show moral clarity. Time to move out.”

The former governor didn’t stop there. He also criticized Mamdani for owning land in Uganda, a country known for controversial anti-LGBT policies, questioning how the candidate’s lifestyle aligns with his progressive message.

Cuomo’s campaign spokesperson went further, accusing Mamdani of living like a billionaire while masquerading as a socialist champion of the people. “It turns out handing the keys of New York City to a no-show, do-nothing assemblyman hypocrite is a bad idea,” the campaign said. “Andrew Cuomo is running to protect our streets, for REAL affordability, and to build a new New York City by giving opportunity to those who actually need it.”

Mamdani’s camp has pushed back against the criticisms, calling Cuomo’s attacks distractions meant to divert attention from the former governor’s own controversies.

This New York Post-reported dispute highlights the difficult balance candidates must strike between their personal circumstances and the public expectations tied to their platforms — especially in a city where affordable housing remains a heated and complex issue.