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EXCLUSIVE: New York City’s only Republican representative in Congress has raised concerns over an initiative within her party aiming to withdraw funding from the city following the recent election of Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Representative Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., expressed her discontent with this strategy, emphasizing its political folly. In a conversation with Fox News Digital, she stated, “These attempts by those within my party to score cheap political points by targeting New York City will not go unnoticed. We will respond with determination.”
Malliotakis highlighted her unique position as the sole Republican representing the city in Washington, commenting that her constituents did not vote for Mamdani. She added, “It is frustrating to see partisans in Washington punishing the entire city for the misjudgments of a few.”
Her criticism follows the announcement from Representative Buddy Carter, R-Ga., regarding the introduction of a new piece of legislation titled the Moving American Money Distant from Anti-National Interests Act, informally known as the MAMDANI Act.
The proposed legislation outlines strict funding restrictions on New York City during Mamdani’s tenure. Specifically, it states, “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during any period in which Zohran Mamdani is mayor of New York, any unobligated Federal funds available for the city are hereby rescinded.” Furthermore, it prohibits the allocation of Federal funds for any purpose to New York City.
According to reports, this bill is expected to be introduced on Friday. Malliotakis has made it clear that she views Carter’s actions as reckless and offensive. In her remarks to Fox News Digital, she referred to this legislative effort as “ludicrous and a slap in the face to the hardworking taxpayers of this city, many of whom did not support Zohran Mamdani as mayor.”
Malliotakis further asserted the significant federal tax contributions made by New York City, arguing that federal resources are essential for various public needs, including education and transportation, as well as national security initiatives like counter-terrorism efforts. She underscored the city’s role as a vital fundraising ground for Republicans, stating, “Anyone who supports this bill, including Buddy, ought to reconsider coming to New York City for campaign contributions. If they pursue a hostile policy against our city, how can they expect to raise money from its residents?”
The emergence of Mamdani as the next mayor of the United States’ largest city marks a notable shift in political dynamics. Although he secured over 50% of the vote according to recent tallies, his victory has ignited divisions within the GOP.
Significant support for Mamdani flowed from large portions of Brooklyn, as well as parts of the Bronx and Queens. Nevertheless, many neighborhoods within Malliotakis’ district, which includes all of Staten Island and sections of southern Brooklyn, leaned heavily towards former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Malliotakis had previously endorsed Curtis Sliwa from her party, who managed less than 10% of the vote despite last-minute efforts to consolidate support around Cuomo.
The representative affirmed, “While I completely agree that we must hold Mamdani accountable and oppose funding for his socialist or communist policies, suggesting we halt essential funding that supports universal needs across America is unreasonable and unjustified.”
Carter responded to Malliotakis’ objections in his own statement to Fox News Digital, emphasizing the importance of opposition to what he described as a socialist agenda. “Nicole is New York City’s last line of defense against socialism. If everyone defended our city the way she does, we wouldn’t face such dire challenges,” he asserted.
He continued by stating, “We agree that hard-earned taxpayer dollars should not finance a socialist or communist agenda. New York’s new mayor supports such an agenda, and hardworking Americans should not be expected to underpin it. The MAMDANI Act clarifies this stance unequivocally.”
This internal conflict within the House GOP signals a potential harbinger for struggles to come as the socialist prepares to assume office. Although the Republican Party has indicated its intention to use Mamdani’s election as a strategic weapon against the left, any attempts to penalize New York City—or even the broader New York State—could complicate relationships with the Republicans who represent portions of the area.
Amid these discussions, many are left to wonder how this GOP civil war will impact the future governance of New York City and the party’s strategy moving forward.
