CaliToday (18/11/2025): A dramatic political showdown is exploding in New York as the state's emboldened progressive wing, led by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has issued a stark warning to Governor Kathy Hochul: Support newly-elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani's sweeping tax-hike plan, or be "thrown out" in the next election.
The intense pressure campaign has trapped Hochul in a political vise, caught between a surging progressive base demanding massive social spending and a formidable business community warning of "economic suicide."
The "Tax the Rich" Ultimatum
The conflict ignited on Sunday at a fiery "Tax the Rich" rally in Union Square, where DSA members and progressive lawmakers framed Mamdani's recent victory as an undeniable "mandate" from voters to aggressively tax New York's wealthiest individuals and corporations.
State Senator Jabari Brisport (D-Brooklyn) delivered the most direct threat. He recounted his two failed attempts to work with Hochul to pass universal, free childcare, both of which he says she rejected.
"Kathy Hochul," Brisport shouted to the cheering crowd, "get a third strike and you’re out!"
Brisport was unequivocal: free childcare is impossible without raising taxes on the rich. He warned that if Hochul "gets in the way or sabotages" the plan, "she has to go."
Mamdani's ambitious agenda, which propelled his campaign, calls for:
Higher taxes on high-income earners.
A significant hike in the corporate tax rate.
Using the new revenue to fund universal free childcare, free bus transit, and a massive expansion of affordable housing.
The confrontation is particularly awkward for Hochul, who endorsed Mamdani during his election. However, she has already publicly stated she will not raise income taxes, putting her on a direct collision course with the energized DSA.
Hochul's Political Bind: "Reaping What She Sowed"
Internal sources and political analysts suggest Hochul is "reaping what she sowed." Her support for Mamdani helped validate the progressive movement, which is now leveraging its expanded influence to threaten anyone including the governor who does not fall in line with its agenda.
DSA Co-Chair Gustavo Gordillo declared that Mamdani's win proves "voters have decided to raise taxes."
Even before Mamdani is sworn in, progressive lawmakers in Albany are already making their move. State Senator John Liu and Assemblywoman Phara Forrest have introduced a bill to impose a 2% surcharge on income over $1 million. They project this move alone would generate $4 billion annually to fund childcare, housing, and transit.
"It's only fair," Liu argued, claiming the wealthy just received a 2.6% tax cut under President Trump, making a 2% increase a reasonable "give back."
Power Players vs. "Economic Suicide"
This is not just a fringe movement. State Senator Mike Gianaris the Deputy Majority Leader and the second most powerful person in the state Senate has pledged to use his considerable influence to push Mamdani's agenda.
Gianaris, who previously worked with Mamdani to secure $15 million for a free bus pilot program in Queens, called funding childcare and free buses "essential" and stated he is "100% all-in to push for it."
For her part, Governor Hochul finds herself in an impossible position.
She opposes income tax hikes.
She opposes diverting MTA funds to subsidize free buses.
She is gearing up for a likely tough re-election battle, potentially against Republican powerhouse Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Hochul also opposes Mamdani's proposal to hike the corporate tax rate from 7.3% to 11%, a move that would tie New York with New Jersey for the highest corporate tax rate in the nation.
However, Hochul has not entirely ruled out tax increases, leaving the door open if the state faces a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit that needs to be closed.
While the progressive wing applies maximum pressure, the business community is sounding a five-alarm fire. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop called Mamdani's corporate tax proposal "absolute suicide for New York and a dream for New Jersey," noting that NYC businesses already face numerous other levies that bring their actual tax rate closer to 16%.