Andrew Cuomo bashes Zohran Mamdani for hogging $2,300 from homeless New Yorkers

Andrew Cuomo Calls Out Zohran Mamdani for Occupying Affordable Housing

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo took to social media to criticize Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani for occupying affordable housing in Astoria, Queens. Cuomo accused Mamdani of taking housing away from homeless New Yorkers and called for him to “move out” of his $2,300 per month one-bedroom apartment.

In a viral tweet, Cuomo pointed out Mamdani’s privileged background, including his $142,000 base salary as an assemblymember and his lavish wedding celebrations in multiple countries. Cuomo argued that Mamdani, who is married to illustrator Rama Duwaji, should not be taking up affordable housing meant for low-income New Yorkers.

Mamdani, who had previously stated his intention to move out of the rent-stabilized unit, explained that he found the listing on StreetEasy when he was making $47,000 per year as a housing counselor. He claimed he was unaware of the apartment’s rent-stabilized status at the time.

Despite the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Astoria being closer to $3,000, Mamdani continues to pay $2,300, saving $8,400 per year compared to his constituents. He has stated his plans to move out of the apartment now that he is an assemblymember and can afford to pay market rate.

Representatives for Mamdani did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Cuomo’s remarks. Cuomo’s spokesman, Richard Azzopardi, defended the criticism, stating that Mamdani is exploiting a system meant to assist those with less privilege and highlighting the backlash from New Yorkers appalled by Mamdani’s actions.

It remains to be seen how Mamdani will respond to the call to vacate the affordable housing unit and whether he will follow through on his plans to move out in light of the controversy.