Thousands Rally in Albany to 'Tax the Rich', but Mamdani and Hochul Absent

Busloads of New Yorkers flooded the State Capitol to press state leaders to raise taxes on corporations and high earners.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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About 1,500 people from across New York state filled the old Washington Avenue Armory in Albany on Wednesday, calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to raise taxes on corporations and high earners. The rally was organized by the group Our Time for an Affordable NYC, which had hoped to feature Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders, but both were absent. Despite the mayor's absence, speakers invoked Mamdani's recent election victory as evidence that a more progressive vision for the state was possible.

Why it matters

The rally highlights growing calls from progressive activists and lawmakers to increase taxes on the wealthy and corporations in order to fund various initiatives, such as universal child care. However, Governor Hochul has resisted such tax hikes, citing concerns about the state's business climate.

The details

The rally featured a succession of union organizers, democratic socialist elected officials, and Mamdani supporters who fired up the crowd before a march to the State Capitol. Speakers criticized Hochul's reluctance to raise taxes, arguing that New York is the 'wealth capital of the country' and that the money is there to fund important programs. Mamdani, who endorsed Hochul despite his progressive platform, said his absence from the rally did not change his belief in the need for tax increases on the wealthy.

  • The rally took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who has steadfastly opposed tax increases, despite calls from progressive activists.

Zohran Mamdani

The recently elected mayor of New York City who has proposed raising taxes on corporations and high earners to help fix the city's budget deficit, but did not attend the rally.

Our Time for an Affordable NYC

The group that organized the 'Tax the Rich' rally in Albany, which had hoped to feature Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders.

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What they’re saying

“New York is the wealth capital of the country. We can also be the state that leads the nation in economic justice. The money is here. The question is, Governor Hochul: Do you have the courage to collect it?”

— Rafaella Abeo, Local organizer with the United Auto Workers (New York Times)

“Even though I don't have much experience, I know something: We need to keep going.”

— Micah, 13-year-old volunteer for Mamdani's campaign (New York Times)

What’s next

The governor's office has declined to comment on the rally, but Mamdani remains hopeful that Hochul can be persuaded to raise taxes on corporations and high earners to help fund his agenda.

The takeaway

This rally highlights the growing divide between progressive activists and the state's Democratic leadership over the issue of raising taxes on the wealthy. While the activists see it as essential to funding important initiatives, the governor has resisted such measures, citing concerns about the state's business climate.