New York Rep. Mike Lawler is criticizing New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani for traveling to Puerto Rico to attend a political conference just days after his election win and during the nation’s longest government shutdown.
“If Zohran Mamdani is truly serious about helping working families, he wouldn’t be jetting off to a luxury resort the moment he wins an election,” Lawler said.
According to Fox News, Mamdani is expected to attend the 2025 SOMOS Conference in Puerto Rico, including a cocktail reception hosted by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Lawler questioned whether other prominent Democrats — including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Gov. Kathy Hochul — were also attending.
“If so, why? Who’s looking out for New Yorkers while they’re on the beach?” Lawler asked.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, whom Lawler also mentioned, is not attending the event.
“It’s a disgrace — and why New Yorkers are leaving this state in droves,” Lawler said. “I’m calling on every reporter covering SOMOS to demand answers from these Democrats. Ask them why they’re partying in Puerto Rico while New Yorkers are suffering through an affordability crisis and a government shutdown. The public deserves to know where their priorities really lie.”
The annual SOMOS conference, held this year at the El Caribe Hilton in San Juan, serves as a policy summit for New York officials and political figures from both parties.
The hotel’s website describes it as an “iconic beachfront paradise” with “17 acres of tropical landscaping, nine restaurants, island-inspired rooms, spa, and oceanfront pool complex.”
The multi-day event features receptions, luncheons, and policy panels such as “Celebrating Human Services Together” and “Workforce Development Through Rising Communities.” The final day concludes with a “Toes in the Sand Beachfront Party.”
Mamdani, a socialist who ran on the Democratic ticket, defeated Republican Curtis Sliwa and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday to become one of the youngest mayors in modern New York City history.
