Politicians from New York, such Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul, skipped town immediatly after Tuesday’s election and went to Puerto Rico for the Somos conference.
Every year, politicians officially meet on the island to talk about topics that matter to Puerto Rico and its citizens.
The conference is a chance for politicians to get away from their usual surroundings and unwind while they network and make plans for the coming year.
On Thursday, the people in charge waited to see Mamdani, who was the star of the hour. The conference is also the official start of the race for City Council speaker and statewide races, like Hochul’s bid for reelection.
Mamdani thought about his win after arriving on a commercial airline on Thursday afternoon.
“I’m so happy to be here in Puerto Rico. And you know that question was asked of me of where I would go outside of the country, and I’m happy to be here at Somos,” Mamdani said.
“Two most straightforward ways to raise the revenue to fund our affordability agenda is by raising the personal income tax on New Yorkers who make $1 million or more by 2% and raising the state’s top corporate tax to match that of New Jersey,” Mamdani added.
He also reacted to President Donald Trump, who said earlier that Mamdani should give him a call.
“I will be looking forward to having a conversation with President Trump, and it’s a conversation that will be geared towards serving New Yorkers across the five boroughs.”
Mamdani was shredded by critics over a tone-deaf request following his landslide victory on Tuesday.
Mamdani shared a video on X outlining the transition process ahead, emphasizing that “a lot of work” remains to be done. Addressing supporters, New York City’s new mayor noted his earlier request to pause campaign donations but now encouraged them to contribute funds for the transition.
He explained that the money would now be needed to hire experts, build infrastructure, and support the extensive preparations required for his incoming administration. “Thank you, New York City. Together we made history. Now let’s get to work,” he said in the video.
But Mamdani was slammed online after asking for money from the same hard-pressed working class New Yorkers he claimed to champion during his campaign.
One person wrote, “It’s been less than 24 hours since Mamdani won the election & he’s already asking for money. Congratulations New York City, bravo.”
Another added, “Islamist and Communist Mamdani promises ‘free’ stuff. Now he begs for donations?” Yet another person commented, “Already begging for money. What a joke.”
Yet another X user shared a photo of Alex Soros, son of billionaire George Soros, whose left-wing non-profit network backed Mamdani’s rise, along with the mayor-elect, writing: “When you ask taxpayers for more money — make sure to ask your friends first.”
