By: Jerome Brookshire

New York City’s Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is under renewed scrutiny after resurfaced video clips revealed the candidate openly advocating for the “abolition of private property” and endorsing the Marxist notion of “seizing the means of production.” As The New York Post reported on Thursday, the controversial footage has prompted fierce criticism from Republican leaders and sparked alarm among business groups, intensifying political tensions ahead of the November election.

If Zohran Mamdani prefers “the abolition of private property” then he should voluntarily donate his family’s numerous properties they rent out as oppressive landowners.

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— Jean (@queens_parents) July 17, 2025

The latest controversy emerged after The New York Post highlighted a video, circulated by RNC Research and originally posted by the “End Wokeness” group on X, in which Mamdani declared that dismantling private property rights could be justified if it meant providing guaranteed housing. “If there was any system that could guarantee each person housing — whether you call it the abolition of private property or you call it a statewide housing guarantee — it is preferable to what is going on right now,” Mamdani said in the video. “People try to play gotcha games about these kinds of things. Look, I care more about whether somebody has a home.”

The resurfaced footage is fueling Republican efforts to frame Mamdani and his socialist agenda as a political liability for Democrats heading into the critical 2026 congressional midterm elections. The Republican National Committee’s strategic reposting of the clip signals an intent to nationalize the issue, linking Mamdani’s candidacy to broader GOP critiques of Democratic policies in urban centers.

Zohran Mamdani: “Our end goal, seizing the means of production” HOLY F

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— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 30, 2025

Republican leaders in New York swiftly seized on Mamdani’s remarks. The New York Post quoted New York State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox, who minced no words in his assessment: “Mamdani will be a gift to Republicans. But if he wins the mayoralty, he’ll destroy New York.”

House Republicans from New York also joined the chorus of condemnation. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn), whose mother fled communist Cuba, drew a pointed historical comparison in comments cited by The New York Post: “Seize the means of production & ‘abolition of private property.’ Two ideas shared by two communists: Karl Marx & Zohran Mamdani.”

Representative Mike Lawler (R-Lower Hudson Valley) echoed similar sentiments. As The New York Post reported, Lawler reposted the video with a blunt denunciation: “Marxism. Communism. Socialism. Call it whatever you want. It’s bat shit insane and he must be defeated at the ballot box in November.”

President Donald Trump has previously labeled Mamdani a “communist,” a characterization that aligns with longstanding GOP critiques of the Democratic socialist’s platform.

Despite the controversy, Mamdani’s political ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. The 33-year-old Queens assemblyman stunned the political establishment last month by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.

Mamdani now heads into the general election favored over incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and Cuomo, all of whom are running on independent ballot lines. Mamdani’s edge stems from his ability to galvanize progressive voters with an ambitious platform centered on housing, public transit, and social services.

Central to his campaign is a housing plan that calls for the construction of 200,000 new affordable housing units over the next decade. To finance this and other initiatives — including fare-free buses and expanded childcare — Mamdani has proposed increasing taxes on millionaires and corporations by $9 billion.

However, as The New York Post reported, these proposals have not been universally embraced. Over the past week, Mamdani held a series of meetings with city business leaders in an attempt to assuage concerns about the potential economic impact of his tax and spending plans.

Mamdani has also moved to downplay the significance of his past statements promoting Marxist economic ideas. Mamdani attempted to frame his comments within a broader discussion about social equity and housing rights, although his campaign did not issue an immediate formal response to the latest wave of criticism.

The candidate’s critics, however, remain unconvinced. The resurfacing of Mamdani’s remarks has reignited debates over property rights, economic freedom, and the legal boundaries of policy proposals aimed at redistributing wealth. Advocating for the elimination of property rights without due compensation is not only politically contentious but, in some cases, legally dubious.

Beyond property rights, Mamdani’s endorsement of “seizing the means of production” — a cornerstone of Marxist economic theory — has further stoked concerns about his ideological leanings. Such rhetoric, historically associated with communist regimes, is raising alarms among both political opponents and business leaders wary of policies they view as hostile to free enterprise.

Amid the mounting controversy, prominent Democratic figures in New York have notably withheld endorsements for Mamdani. As The New York Post reported, Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have all refrained from publicly backing the nominee.

Their hesitation underscores the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party as it navigates internal divisions between its moderate establishment and a resurgent progressive wing. The lack of endorsements from these key leaders also reflects broader apprehension about Mamdani’s impact on Democratic prospects in upcoming elections.

In a development closely followed by The New York Post, Mamdani is scheduled to meet with Representative Jeffries on Friday. The outcome of this meeting could prove pivotal in determining whether Democratic leadership will attempt to bring Mamdani into the fold or continue to keep him at arm’s length.

As November approaches, Mamdani faces the dual challenge of consolidating his progressive base while attempting to broaden his appeal in a city with diverse political and economic interests. The criticism from Republican leaders and the cautious approach from Democratic power brokers highlight the precariousness of his position.

The fallout from Mamdani’s past remarks and his unapologetically socialist platform could play a significant role not only in the mayoral race but also in shaping the political narrative leading into the 2026 congressional midterms. The GOP’s evident strategy of tying national Democratic figures to Mamdani’s rhetoric suggests a campaign season poised for sharp ideological battles.

Meanwhile, Mamdani’s political future may hinge on his ability to navigate the backlash, reassure skeptical voters, and present a coherent vision that reconciles his progressive ideals with the economic realities facing New York City.