New York gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a Fox News interview. He called Mamdani incompetent and warned that his policies would damage the state’s economy. The exchange followed a report about an 81-year-old homeowner facing a possible $56,000 pied-à-terre tax bill.
Fox News said Alex Berenson shared the case on X. The host said Berenson’s mother had lived full-time in her townhouse for 30 years.
The host said she had no other residence. She had three weeks to remove her name from the list or owe $56,000, according to the segment.
The host said the notice might be an oversight. The host also warned that the system could affect people beyond wealthy property owners.
Blakeman responded by calling Mamdani “incompetent” and questioning his professional experience.
“He has no experience. He knows nothing about business,” Blakeman said.
He also described Mamdani as “anti-capitalist” and “pro-socialist slash communist.”
“This is a guy who will destroy our economy,” Blakeman said. He argued that New York needed a strong governor to stop Mamdani.
“I’m the one that will stop him,” Blakeman added.
Blakeman promised a return to “common sense, practicality, and capitalism.” He said his approach would put more money in residents’ pockets.
He argued that residents should decide how to spend their money instead of the government.
Bruce Blakeman’s Mamdani Criticism Fuels Pied-à-Terre Tax Debate in New York
The interview drew sharply divided responses over Mamdani’s leadership, Blakeman’s warning, and voter responsibility.
One X user wrote, “Mamdani must be stopped and REMOVED.” Another asked, “Who will stop him before it’s too late? The people of New York City voted for him. So they are getting what they bargained for.”
A separate response stated, “Elections matter. New Yorkers deserve someone who will keep the economy strong and safe for families and small businesses.” Another argued, “Bruce Blakeman is right to sound the alarm. New York can’t afford leadership that embraces socialism, attacks free enterprise, and undermine the values that built this country.”
Others rejected the warnings surrounding Mamdani. One user asked, “He’s just a mayor for godsakes. Could you blow this a bit more out of proportion??”
Another wrote, “Stop him? Why? He’s doing exactly what he said he would do. This is what the people knowingly elected.”
The segment did not establish whether New York city officials had reviewed or corrected the reported notice. It also did not confirm whether the homeowner ultimately owed the $56,000.
