Mamdani's 'socialist' budget criticized

Mamdani, who recently appeared with former President Barack Obama to promote expanded social programs, argues that the spending is necessary to address the city's affordability crisis.

Critics, including mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt, have called the budget a 'death sentence' for the city's financial stability.

The proposal comes as the city deals with a roughly $1 billion deficit and increasing pressure to improve public safety.

The political clash reflects a broader debate within the Democratic Party over the role of government-backed social welfare programs.