Part 5/13:
Candidates repeatedly pivoted to populist promises, such as Mandani's bold pledge to raise taxes on the rich and corporations to fund city programs. His proposals included raising income taxes on the top 1% and matching corporate tax rates with New Jersey—fiscally ambitious ideas that clash with his own acknowledgment that he lacks the authority or a clear plan to implement them, especially given that the state governor, Kathy Hochul, opposes tax hikes.