NYC Mayoral Hopeful Zohran Mamdani Under Fire for Luxurious Astoria Apartment

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched a scathing attack on Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, a frontrunner in the NYC mayoral race, for occupying a rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens. Cuomo alleges that Mamdani, who pays $2,300 a month for a one-bedroom, is a "rich person" taking affordable housing away from those in need.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/071225-showing-democratic-front-runner-108046631.jpg?w=687" alt="Zohran Mamdani">

Cuomo's criticism highlights Mamdani's significant income ($142,000 annual salary plus his wife's earnings), lavish wedding celebrations across three continents, and property ownership in Uganda. He argues that Mamdani's occupancy of the rent-stabilized unit is an act of hypocrisy, given the city's severe housing affordability crisis.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/062825-showing-apartment-building-democratic-107326140.jpg?w=1024" alt="Mamdani's Apartment Building">

Mamdani previously stated he was unaware the apartment was rent-stabilized when he initially rented it and plans to move out. However, Cuomo demands immediate relocation, asserting that Mamdani's actions lack moral clarity.

Cuomo's spokesman, Richard Azzopardi, further criticizes Mamdani's actions, stating that he's "gaming a system meant to help those with way less privilege." The average rent for a one-bedroom in Astoria is approximately $3,000, indicating Mamdani saves a considerable sum annually.

This controversy adds another layer of complexity to the already intense NYC mayoral race, with Mamdani facing intense scrutiny over his housing situation and personal wealth.