Max Politics

In our final episode, we talk about the future of New York City under Mayor Elect Zohran Mamdani and who he will surround himself with to help him accomplish his vision. We’re also joined by Patrick Gaspard, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, former key Obama aide and now key advisor to Mamdani, to talk about this historic moment. — FAQ NYC and Max Politics are teaming up for a limited series, coming to you every Tuesday through November, featuring special guests who will help us dig into the latest in the mayor's race – and what's at stake for New Yorkers. City Hall Free For All is brought to you with generous support from Jamie Rubin and Vital City. This week's episode was hosted by Christina Greer, Katie Honan, Ben Max and Harry Siegel. Our Senior Producer is Giulia Hjort, and Noah Smith is our engineer. Our series consultants are Jess Hackel and Courtney Harrell. Music from Epidemic Sound.

Zohran Mamdani's surprising victory over Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa shakes up New York City politics. His powerful victory speech, echoing themes from historic figures, sparked excitement among supporters. The hosts dissect Cuomo's concession and the implications it holds for his future. They also address challenges Mamdani may face, including combating Islamophobia and fostering community engagement. Analyses of down-ballot results and the impact of housing policy on affordable housing highlight the political landscape's shifting dynamics.

Michael Gianaris, New York State Senate Deputy Leader and Queens Democrat, dives into the implications of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's recent win and the political landscape ahead. He discusses Mamdani's strong mandate, local pride rooted in Queens, and critiques party leaders who withheld endorsements. Gianaris also shares strategies for Mamdani to navigate Albany, emphasizing the need for practicality in implementing public goods like free buses. As the year unfolds, he outlines priorities for the new administration and unity for the upcoming 2026 elections.

For a final pre-election preview of the 2025 race to be the next Mayor of New York City, a three-part episode: 1) Political analyst Michael Lange and pollster Adam Carlson on the final polls of the mayoral race, the early voting turnout, & expectations for the outcome; 2) Nada Al-Hanooti of Defend and Advance, a Super PAC working to turn out Muslim voters to support Zohran Mamdani; and 3) Republican strategist Chapin Fay with his thoughts on GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa, calls for Sliwa to drop out and endorse Andrew Cuomo, and various related political dynamics. (Ep 543)

Longtime New York journalists and policy analysts Nicole Gelinas and Josh Greenman joined the show to discuss some of the big questions about mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani's big promises, namely his top policy pledges of freezing the rent on rent-stabilized apartments, free buses, and universal child care, as well as increased taxes to pay for his agenda, and more, like a $30 minimum wage and a Department of Community Safety. Gelinas is a Manhattan Institute senior fellow and contributing opinion writer at the New York Times and Greenman is managing editor at Vital City. (EP 542)

Grace Rauh, executive director of government reform group Citizens Union, joined the show to discuss ballot question 6 and whether New York City should move its elections to presidential years. The question is on the 2025 general election ballot, put to city voters to see their preference, but would still require a state constitutional change to actually happen. If city voters approve the measure - placed on the ballot by a Charter Revision Commission - and the state process unfolds (including state legislative passage in two consecutive terms and a statewide ballot referendum being approved), it could be in effect for 2032. Rauh and Citizens Union are in favor of the switch to improve voter participation, but some are worried about local races and issues getting overshadowed by national ones, among other concerns. The one-time shift could also allow the next mayor and other city electeds to hold office for 11 years in sum. (Ep 541)

Grace Mausser and Gustavo Gordillo, the co-chairs of the New York City branch of the Democratic Socialists of America, joined the show to discuss the DSA, the Zohran Mamdani campaign and mayoral election, and what comes next if Mamdani is elected mayor. (Ep 540)

In episode six, we’re focusing on affordability, housing and the related ballot proposals. We’re joined by housing experts Jamie Rubin (Chief Investment Officer of Aligned Climate Capital & Chairman of the Board of NYCHA) and Alicia Glen (Founder and Managing Principle of M Squared & former Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development), who share their thoughts on what the next Mayor should accomplish – and how. Remember: early voting is in full swing. Visit vote.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC to find your early and election day polling sites — they may be different — and see what will be on your ballot. — FAQ NYC and Max Politics are teaming up for a limited series, coming to you every Tuesday through November, featuring special guests who will help us dig into the latest in the mayor's race – and what's at stake for New Yorkers. City Hall Free For All is brought to you with generous support from Jamie Rubin and Vital City. This week's episode was hosted by Christina Greer, Katie Honan, Ben Max and Harry Siegel. Our Senior Producer is Giulia Hjort, and Noah Smith is our engineer. Our series consultants are Jess Hackel and Courtney Harrell. Music from Epidemic Sound.

Alex Armlovich, a Senior Housing Policy Analyst and member of NYC's Rent Guidelines Board, dives into the complexities of housing policy. He discusses the RGB's role, comparing it to utility regulators, and the challenges of balancing rents and operating costs. Armlovich highlights the repercussions of broad rent freezes, warning they could lead to building bankruptcies. He also talks about policy tools to aid distressed buildings and the importance of accurate data in assessing housing viability, advocating for proactive, technocratic solutions.

Kenny Burgos, CEO of the New York Apartment Association and former State Assembly member from the Bronx, joined the show to discuss the challenges in rent-stabilized housing, the perspective of landlords and building managers, the prospects of a Mayor Mamdani and the candidate's promise to freeze stabilized rents for four years, and much more about housing policy. (Ep 538)