New York City’s lone Republican member of Congress is pushing back against members of her own party who want to cut off federal funding to the city following Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the mayoral race.
“These attempts by those within my party to score cheap political points by going after New York City are not going to be met lightly. We’re going to fight back,” Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., told Fox News Digital on Friday.
“I’m the only Republican representing our city in Washington. My constituents did not vote for Zohran Mamdani, and then you have people in Washington wanting to punish the whole city for the stupid decisions of a few,” she said.
Her comments come after Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., announced plans to introduce the “Moving American Money Distant from Anti-National Interests Act,” or “MAMDANI Act.”
The two-page bill states that “during any period in which Zohran Mamdani is mayor of New York, New York,” all “unobligated Federal funds available” for the city “are hereby rescinded,” and “no Federal funds may be obligated or expended for any purpose to New York, New York.”
Malliotakis criticized Carter directly, calling the proposal “ludicrous and a slap in the face to the hardworking taxpayers of this city, half of which did not even support Zohran Mamdani for mayor.”
She argued that New York City pays “an exorbitant amount of federal taxes” and relies on federal dollars for education, transportation and counter-terrorism programs.
“Anyone who signs onto that bill, including Buddy, should not come to New York City to raise a dollar for their campaign,” she said. “If they’re going to sponsor a hostile bill toward our city, then they shouldn’t be coming to raise money from our residents.”
Mamdani, a self-described socialist, was elected Tuesday, reportedly winning just over 50% of the vote. He carried large portions of Brooklyn and parts of the Bronx and Queens.
Most neighborhoods in Malliotakis’ district — covering all of Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn — voted for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Malliotakis, who endorsed Republican Curtis Sliwa, said she agrees that taxpayer money should not fund “a socialist or communist agenda” but rejected halting all federal funding.
“I totally agree, we don’t want any money going to fund a socialist or communist agenda or specific policies that we strongly disagree with. That’s where we’re going to hold Zohran Mamdani accountable,” she said. “But to say that basic funding for things that everyone across America needs will be halted is ridiculous.”
Carter responded in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, “Nicole is New York City’s last line of defense against socialism. If everyone stood up for New York City the way Nicole does, it wouldn’t be in this awful mess.”
“She and I agree: Taxpayers shouldn’t bankroll a socialist or communist agenda. New York’s new mayor embraces it, and hardworking Americans shouldn’t have to subsidize it. The MAMDANI Act makes that clear, plain and simple,” Carter said.
The dispute highlights growing tensions within the GOP as Mamdani prepares to take office and Republicans debate how to respond to his win.
