New York City, December 10, 2025
Prominent New York City business figures have collectively donated $3 million to super PACs opposing mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. This funding highlights serious concerns within the business community about Mamdani’s proposed policies, which include increased taxes on high-income earners and corporations. With significant contributions channeled through corporate entities, these financial efforts illustrate the competitive nature of the upcoming election and how economic interests are increasingly influencing political landscapes in the city.
New York City Business Leaders Contribute $3 Million Over Two Days to Oppose Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani
New York City, December 10, 2025 – In a significant political maneuver, prominent business figures in New York City have collectively donated $3 million over just two days to super PACs opposing the mayoral candidacy of Zohran Mamdani. This remarkable infusion of capital highlights the business community’s apprehensions regarding Mamdani’s proposed policies, particularly those involving increased taxes on high-income earners and corporations, aimed at funding various social initiatives.
The latest round of donations illustrates the highly competitive nature of the upcoming mayoral election and underscores the pivotal role that financial backing plays in shaping political landscapes. Business leaders are increasingly recognizing the importance of aligning political support with economic interests, especially in a city known for its diverse and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Details of the Donations
The considerable contributions were channeled through a corporate entity known as Put NYC First Inc., which is operated by Eminence Capital CEO Ricky Sandler, along with real estate investors Richard Mack and Marty Berger. The allocation of funds was as follows:
- $2 million to For Our City, a newly formed super PAC that quickly allocated $1.5 million for targeted media advertisements aimed at Mamdani.
- Over $1 million to Stop the Socialists, another recently established super PAC focusing on anti-Mamdani initiatives.
- Approximately $255,000 to Good Growth NYC, which has been involved in canvassing efforts and promotional activities backing former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s campaign.
Business Concerns About Mamdani’s Policies
These recent donations are part of a broader trend in which the business sector is increasingly backing candidates whose policies are perceived as favorable to maintaining a pro-business environment. Prominent figures, including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have emerged as major contributors, with Bloomberg himself donating a total of $13 million to super PACs supporting Cuomo and opposing Mamdani. Other substantial investors in this political landscape include Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, contributing $3 million, and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who gave $1.75 million. This trend reflects a growing apprehension among business leaders regarding progressive policies that could potentially disrupt the economic climate they operate within.
Mamdani’s Campaign Response
Despite this formidable financial opposition, Mamdani’s campaign has taken a defiant stance. His spokeswoman has expressed confidence in the campaign’s momentum, suggesting that billionaire-backed super PACs will struggle to sway public opinion and voter engagement in favor of their candidate. This perspective emphasizes the ability of grassroots efforts in mobilizing voter support, highlighting the resilience of his campaign strategy.
Implications for New York City’s Political Landscape
The infusion of funds by the business elite illustrates a proactive approach to safeguarding their interests against platforms perceived as detrimental to economic growth. As the election approaches, the influence of money in politics continues to be a double-edged sword—while it can bolster campaigns, it might also ignite further discussion about the role of wealth in shaping governance. A vibrant discourse between entrepreneurial innovation and regulatory policies may emerge as business leaders advocate for a political framework that encourages investment, job creation, and overall economic vitality.
Conclusion
As New York City navigates this electoral season, the significant financial backing against mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani illustrates the vital intersection between business interests and political power. This dynamic showcases the business community’s commitment to ensuring a favorable economic environment. Residents and entrepreneurs alike are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in these developments, as the outcome of this election could have far-reaching implications for the region’s economic landscape and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the total amount donated by business leaders over the past two days?
- The total amount donated is $3 million, contributed over the past two days.
- Which super PACs received these donations?
- The donations were allocated to For Our City, Stop the Socialists, and Good Growth NYC.
- Who are the key donors involved in this funding?
- The key donors include Ricky Sandler, Richard Mack, and Marty Berger, who control Put NYC First Inc.
- What is the purpose of these donations?
- The donations aim to support super PACs opposing mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and to influence the upcoming election in favor of former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
- How has Mamdani’s campaign responded to these efforts?
- Mamdani’s campaign spokeswoman, Dora Pekec, has suggested that such billionaire-backed super PACs are unlikely to affect the momentum of his campaign.
| Super PAC | Amount Donated | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| For Our City | $2 million | Media advertisements targeting Zohran Mamdani |
| Stop the Socialists | Over $1 million | Support for anti-Mamdani initiatives |
| Good Growth NYC | Approximately $255,000 | Canvassing and promotional activities supporting Andrew Cuomo |
Now Happening on X
- @QueensCrapper (December 9, 2025): Posts about Mayor Zohran Mamdani working with Big Real Estate and the Homeless Industrial Complex to continue fleecing taxpayers without helping anyone, highlighting ongoing business sector tensions. View on X
- @LAProgressive (December 4, 2025): Discusses how Mayor Zohran Mamdani is challenging Wall Street’s grip by pushing for a public bank to fund housing, transit, and climate resilience without causing capital flight. View on X
- @CityDeskNYC (December 9, 2025): Criticizes Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s $14.9 million publicity stunt on global housing, claiming his policies have damaged NYC’s rental market through landlord restrictions and court delays. View on X
- @dmlevitt (December 9, 2025): Reports a modest $41,000 from real estate to fund Mamdani’s transition, representing less than 2% of his $2.6 million November intake, involving donors like Beachwold Residential and LCOR. View on X
- @trdny (December 9, 2025): Details real estate industry donations to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition efforts, as covered in a recent article. View on X
- @RaptureR16550 (December 4, 2025): Notes that Zohran Mamdani’s November 4 victory has prompted threats from high-net-worth individuals and firms due to his proposed 2% millionaire tax on incomes over $1 million. View on X
- @SharonKyle00 (December 3, 2025): Highlights exciting changes in NYC as Mayor Zohran Mamdani challenges Wall Street with a public bank vision for economic justice in housing and transit. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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