NYC's Private Sector Stands Up to Mayor's Socialist Agenda

Partnership for New York City vows to fight Mayor Mamdani's hard-left policies

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a positive sign for New York City's future, the city's top business group, the Partnership for New York City, is determined to vigorously stand up to Mayor Zohran Mamdani's socialist agenda. The Partnership, a coalition of over 300 major employers, is expected to work with the City Council under Speaker Julie Menin to promote a positive agenda for the city's economy, in contrast to the confrontational approach of the past.

Why it matters

The rise of Mayor Mamdani and his Democratic Socialists, following the tumultuous tenures of Mayors de Blasio and Adams, has shown the need for the private sector to take a more assertive stance. Previous mayors played 'rope-a-dope' with the business community, while the current political landscape in the city and state legislature suggests little help is coming from Albany.

The details

The Partnership for New York City, led by former Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, is launching an ambitious political action committee to push public safety and other core priorities for the private sector. This marks a shift from the 'inside game' approach of longtime leader Kathy Wylde, as the business coalition seeks to hold a firm middle ground and prevent the private sector from being 'mauled' by Mamdani and his hard-left base.

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office in January 2026.
  • The Partnership for New York City is launching its new political action committee in early 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, elected on a democratic socialist platform.

Kathy Wylde

The longtime leader of the Partnership for New York City, known for her 'inside game' approach of working with political powers-that-be.

Steve Fulop

The former mayor of Jersey City, who has taken over as the new leader of the Partnership for New York City and is adopting a more assertive stance against the mayor's socialist agenda.

Julie Menin

The current speaker of the New York City Council, who is expected to work with the Partnership for New York City to promote a positive agenda for the city's economy.

Adrienne Adams

The former speaker of the New York City Council, whose dominance along with the left's control of the state legislature has frustrated business-friendly efforts by Mayor Adams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“New York City is a very fragile environment right now, and I think it's important for us to be engaged.”

— Steve Fulop, Former Mayor of Jersey City (CNBC)

What’s next

The Partnership for New York City is launching an ambitious political action committee in early 2026 to push public safety and other core priorities for the private sector, as it seeks to hold a firm middle ground and prevent the private sector from being 'mauled' by Mayor Mamdani and his hard-left base.

The takeaway

The private sector in New York City is taking a more assertive stance against the socialist agenda of Mayor Mamdani, with the Partnership for New York City leading the charge. This shift from the 'inside game' approach of the past reflects the changing political landscape in the city and the need for the business community to proactively defend its interests.