You Decide with Errol Louis

In an exclusive, in-depth interview, Mayor Zohran Mamdani sat down with NY1's Errol Louis as his first month in office came to a close. The mayor addressed the city's $12 billion budget gap, his proposal to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and corporations and his relationship with President Donald Trump.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is talking tough when it comes to President Donald Trump, but also pushing back against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani who wants Hochul and the legislature to raise taxes on the wealthy. Joining NY1's Errol Louis to discuss where New York state is headed in 2026 is Susan Arbetter, the host of Spectrum News' nightly upstate political program "Capital Tonight." They talked about Hochul and Mamdani's push for universal child care, a possible nuclear power plant expansion, and the repurposing of closed prisons in the Adirondack Park.

Nicole Gelinas, a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins the discussion to analyze Gov. Kathy Hochul's recent State of the State address and the early moves of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. They explore Hochul's strong political position and her push for universal childcare. Gelinas critiques Mamdani's rent freeze promise and budget choices amid economic pressures. The conversation also touches on the impact of transit investments on housing and earmarks Mamdani’s pragmatic start while navigating complex challenges ahead.

One of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's first appointments after being sworn in was Cea Weaver, the director of the Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants. Weaver is a longtime tenant organizer and the executive director of Housing Justice for All, an organization that works to strengthen tenant organizing, advance pro-tenant legislation, and elect tenants and their allies to public office. She also served as a policy adviser to Mamdani's mayoral campaign and is a frequent spokesperson in local, state and national media. But the appointment has drawn criticism after past tweets by Weaver about homeownership and white supremacy resurfaced. Weaver joined Errol Louis to discuss her new role and her plans to advocate for renters amid what the administration has declared a housing emergency. She outlined two early priorities for the office: intervening in court proceedings to protect rent-stabilized tenants affected by the bankrupt landlord Pinnacle Realty Group, and addressing non-rent fees that she says place an additional financial burden on tenants. She also responded to the backlash over her past remarks describing homeownership as "a weapon of white supremacy."

Zohran Mamdani's inauguration as New York City’s new mayor marked a historic moment, celebrated with a lively and diverse crowd. The hosts share insights on his inaugural speech, which combined unity and progressive ideals. They highlight the presence of political heavyweights like AOC and Bernie Sanders, signaling a strong progressive alignment. Discussions on tax policy and high expectations for effective governance resonate throughout. Also, Mamdani's early administration moves suggest a strategic blend of experience and pragmatism as he faces New York's challenges.

In this insightful discussion, Bella Abzug, a trailblazing U.S. Congresswoman and feminist activist, shares her valuable experiences advocating for women's rights and important legislation like the Child Care Act. Joined by documentary filmmaker Jeff Lieberman and historian Leandra Zarno, they dive into Abzug's political battles, including her notable impeachment efforts against Nixon and her early support for gay rights. They also highlight her significant impact on modern progressive politics and her relentless work for equality, leaving a legacy that resonates today.

In this insightful discussion, Bella Abzug, a trailblazing lawyer and politician, shares her journey from the Bronx to the halls of Congress. Joined by historian Harold Holzer, journalist Gloria Steinem, and activist Ronnie Eldridge, they reflect on Bella's fearless activism in civil rights and anti-war movements. The guests delve into the sexism she faced in law and politics, her founding of Women's Strike for Peace, and the bold decision to run for Congress at 50, ultimately reshaping the narrative for women in leadership.

The race for governor is already stealing the political spotlight in New York with competitive primaries looming for both the Democratic and Republican parties. Running for reelection, Gov. Kathy Hochul is facing a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. Republicans will also have a primary on their hands with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announcing this week that he's entering the governor's race, setting up a GOP primary challenge against Rep. Elise Stefanik, who represents an upstate district in Congress. So, as we look ahead to 2026, what should we expect? NY1 statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan and Politico Albany Bureau Chief Nick Reisman joined NY1's Errol Louis to break down the current landscape of New York state politics, revisiting Hochul's 2022 victory, her standing heading into the next election and the potential challenges she faces. The conversation also explored the dynamics shaping Hochul's relationship with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, along with the legislative pressures and political crosscurrents that could complicate her path to reelection.

Yair Rosenberg, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the Deep Shtetl newsletter, dives into the troubling rise of antisemitism in America. He argues that this form of hate is often homegrown, amplified by social media algorithms that reward outrage. Rosenberg traces historical roots, highlights generational gaps in awareness, and criticizes influencers who spread misinformation. He also discusses the challenges faced by New York City's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in navigating complex Jewish political dynamics.

Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. Representative and House Democratic Minority Leader from New York, shares insights on party strategy and policies to retake the House. He discusses the recent dismissal of charges against Letitia James and its implications for the DOJ. Jeffries addresses affordability issues in New York City during his conversation with the newly-elected mayor. He highlights the threat of Republican policies on healthcare and outlines Democratic successes, aiming for renewed control in upcoming elections.