Staten Island Residents Debate Secession from New York City

The election of a leftist mayor has reignited calls for Staten Island to break away from the rest of the city.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Residents of Staten Island, New York's often-overlooked borough, are increasingly voicing support for seceding from New York City following the election of a leftist mayor. Staten Island is more politically conservative than the rest of the city, and many locals feel the borough is neglected and underserved by City Hall. A 1993 referendum saw 65% of residents support independence, and the idea is gaining traction again as some argue Staten Island could be financially self-sufficient. However, experts suggest the debate could drag on, as the borough holds only 3 out of 51 seats on the city council.

Why it matters

The debate over Staten Island's potential secession highlights the political and cultural divides within New York City. As the only borough to consistently vote Republican, Staten Island's conservative leanings clash with the liberal politics of the rest of the city. The push for independence reflects a desire among some Staten Islanders to assert their distinct identity and gain more control over local issues.

The details

Staten Island, with less than 500,000 residents, is the smallest and most politically conservative of New York City's five boroughs. The election of far-left mayor Zohran Mamdani has reignited calls for the island to break away, with some residents arguing they are neglected and underserved by City Hall. A 1993 referendum saw 65% of Staten Islanders support independence, but the plan was ultimately abandoned. Now, Republican lawmaker Sam Pirozzolo is leading the charge, arguing that Staten Island generates more in tax revenue than it receives in services and could be financially self-sufficient. However, the borough holds only 3 out of 51 seats on the city council, making secession a difficult proposition.

  • In 1993, a consultative referendum saw 65% of Staten Island residents support independence.
  • In November 2025, Zohran Mamdani was elected as the new mayor of New York City.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The newly elected far-left mayor of New York City.

Vito Fossella

The Republican president of the Staten Island borough.

Sam Pirozzolo

A Republican lawmaker leading the charge for Staten Island's secession from New York City.

Frank Morano

A city council representative from Staten Island who would consider leaving New York City.

Mark Ortego

A 23-year-old air conditioning engineer who supports the idea of Staten Island's independence.

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What they’re saying

“Staten Island does not embrace the socialist model.”

— Vito Fossella, Republican president of the Staten Island borough (Breitbart)

“He's the catalyst to get people engaged in this conversation.”

— Sam Pirozzolo, Republican lawmaker (Breitbart)

“We could see how Staten Island would do financially, remaining part of New York City — or some sort of a hybrid approach, where maybe we have greater autonomy.”

— Frank Morano, City council representative (Breitbart)

“I like the idea. We're just isolated...Everybody excludes us. So might as well be, like, alone.”

— Mark Ortego, Air conditioning engineer (Breitbart)

“I understand why there are Staten Islanders who would feel that that history is one that hasn't been recognized because what we've seen time and time again through multiple administrations is that this borough becomes a footnote as opposed to a focus.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Breitbart)

What’s next

Experts suggest the debate over Staten Island's potential secession from New York City could drag on, as the borough holds only 3 out of 51 seats on the city council, making independence a difficult proposition.

The takeaway

The debate over Staten Island's secession reflects the deep political and cultural divides within New York City, with the borough's conservative leanings clashing with the liberal politics of the rest of the city. While the push for independence has gained momentum, the path forward remains uncertain as Staten Island's small representation in city government poses a significant obstacle.