Organized Money The Zohran Situation
Jun 26, 2025
Joining the discussion is Zephyr Teachout, an attorney and political activist known for her 2014 gubernatorial run against Andrew Cuomo. She dives into Zohran Mamdani's surprising victory in NYC's mayoral primary, exploring its implications for anti-monopoly policies and left populism. The conversation highlights the significance of municipal governance, the challenges faced by small businesses, and the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party. Zephyr also touches on the changing political landscape and the importance of local activism to drive economic fairness.
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Relief After Cuomo's Shadow Lifts
- Zephyr Teachout describes the relief when Cuomo's dark influence and retaliation faded after his ouster.
- She says survivors felt seen and the city's future suddenly felt open for rebuilding.
Four-Part Anti-Monopoly Platform
- Mamdani's platform included four anti-monopoly pillars: banning non-competes, a UDAP bill, utility interventions, and ending secret economic handouts.
- Zephyr frames these as municipal levers for confronting corporate and crony power in New York.
Ban Non-Competes At City Level
- New York City can locally ban non-compete agreements to free worker mobility and competition.
- Municipal bans can blunt corporate control over local labor markets and career mobility.