Mayor Zohran Mamdani has come under scrutiny after using his taxpayer-funded residence, Gracie Mansion, to film a promotional video. The video in question supports a left-leaning candidate in a heated New York congressional race, raising eyebrows and concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
In the video, which was shared on social media last Thursday, Mayor Mamdani was seen alongside David Hogg, a Parkland shooting survivor and activist. The pair were at Gracie Mansion, where they campaigned for donations in support of Claire Valdez, a Democratic Socialists of America member vying for the 7th District’s congressional seat.
This move has prompted Councilman Phil Wong’s office to consider lodging a formal complaint with the city’s Conflict of Interest Board, questioning the appropriateness of using a public office for campaign purposes.
While some critics have labeled the mayor’s actions as “unseemly,” there remains debate over whether they breach any legal boundaries. A Democratic insider remarked, “If Eric Adams had done it, there would be significant outrage.”
One Democratic operative called it “unseemly,” but said they weren’t sure if it actually crossed a legal line.
“[If] Eric Adams had done it; they would have a f–king aneurysm,” the source griped.
One staffer of the former mayor’s fumed that the video was “typical DSA bulls–t.”
“Rules for thee but not for me,” said ex-Adams staffer Menashe Shapiro, charging of Mamdani: “He’s turning the entirety of city government into a DSA propaganda tool.”
Last year, Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) was dinged by the COIB for using City Council letterhead when fundraising for then-GOP nominee for mayor, Curtis Sliwa.
“The press release contained the seal of the City Council, a City resource that cannot be used for political endorsements,” the board wrote.
Ariola paid $2,000 to settle the foul.
“I got dinged for a violation for using a Council Seal in a statement regarding a candidate, but this guy is out here using Gracie Mansion for a campaign shoot and nobody seems to care,” Ariola fumed.
“It seems the old saying, ‘Rules for thee and not for me’ is still holding true. Where is COIB on this?”
Calls to City Hall and Valdez’s campaign were not immediately returned.
