In the richest city in the country, where an affordability crisis is now impacting the middle class, Mamdani’s message of tax increases for the rich, rent freezes and free childcare have been embraced by a city that has had enough. “They’re angry about Trump, but they’re also angry at the Democrats; they want the system shaken up,” explains Ross Barkan, who once hired Mamdani during his own run for office. Mamdani has promised to freeze rents during his entire term as mayor. It has sparked a fierce backlash among landlords. Humberto Lopes owns more than a hundred buildings across the city. His advice to those struggling with high rents in the city? “You can’t afford it, find another apartment: you don’t have to live in Manhattan.” Curtis Sliwa ran against Mamdani as the Republican candidate in 2025. Curtis says Mamdani understood the issues many voters care about, but the new Mayor has underestimated his wealthy opponents: “he’s going to realise fast that the powers that be are not going to let him get his agenda”.