Hochul Denies Being 'Fall Man' in Mamdani's Tax-the-Rich Push

Governor says she's not frustrated by mayor's political posturing over budget gap

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Gov. Kathy Hochul dismissed claims that she is being used as a 'fall man' in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's pressure campaign to raise taxes on the rich, saying publicly she is not 'frustrated' by the political posturing. Hochul reiterated that she knows how to negotiate with the legislature and get the results she believes are best for New Yorkers, despite Mamdani's threats to raise property taxes across the five boroughs if the governor does not agree to tax hikes.

Why it matters

The clash between Hochul and Mamdani over tax policy highlights the ongoing political tensions between the Democratic governor and the socialist mayor, as they navigate the state's budget process and try to address a purported $5.4 billion budget gap in New York City.

The details

Hochul has repeatedly said she would not sign off on a tax increase, even after Mamdani threatened to raise property taxes across the five boroughs if the governor did not give in. In private, Hochul and her team have voiced frustration over the situation, as Mamdani has pushed city lawmakers to direct their ire at Albany after he proposed a nearly 10% property tax increase. But publicly, the two have played nice, with Hochul saying 'This is not a frustrated face. I am not frustrated.' Mamdani has praised the governor, who found an extra $1.5 billion to send to NYC and another $1 billion to set up a $2,000 pilot program, as they continue to have 'positive conversations to close the budget gap'.

  • On March 5, 2026, Gov. Kathy Hochul batted away questions about being pegged as the 'fall man' in Zohran Mamdani's pressure campaign to tax the rich.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York who has repeatedly said she would not sign off on a tax increase, despite pressure from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who has threatened to raise property taxes across the five boroughs if Gov. Hochul does not agree to tax hikes on the rich to close a purported $5.4 billion budget gap.

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What they’re saying

“I know how to do this. The legislature, for example, has put in tax increases every year since I have been governor. I know how to negotiate.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (New York Post)

“This is not a frustrated face. I am not frustrated. I'll say this: There are ongoing conversations with the mayor's team, his budget team, my budget team.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (New York Post)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.