On his show recently, Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Association, voiced his opinion on taxation proposals made by Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate in New York City. Mamdani’s idea to increase taxes in affluent neighborhoods, which he described as “richer and whiter,” has stirred up significant backlash.
While discussing Mamdani on “The Victor Davis Hanson Show,” Hanson highlighted the candidate’s privileged background. He noted that Mamdani attended a prestigious university, is the son of a Columbia University professor, and comes from a wealthy family. “He talks about targeting richer, white citizens,” Hanson remarked.
Hanson also referenced income statistics based on ethnicity, pointing out that Indian Americans have the highest average income in the U.S. at around $106,000, according to recent census data. He mentioned that this demographic has consistently ranked high among income earners since 2017.
Mamdani’s father, Mahmoud, is a prominent postcolonial scholar, while his mother, Mira Naia, is a notable filmmaker. After moving to the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Mamdani attended the prestigious Bank Street School, which today costs about $66,000 annually. Reports indicate that Mamdani currently has a net worth of $200,000 and resides in a rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, while also owning land in Uganda.
His tax proposal suggests shifting the burden from homeowners in less affluent areas to those in wealthier neighborhoods if he is elected. He aims to adjust tax rates and fees to make the system fairer.
Data from the American Community Survey indicates that white households in New York City have the highest median income at $108,555, followed by Asians at $87,197. Meanwhile, nationwide figures from 2022 show Indian American households earning a median income of $145,000, with Asian Americans at $100,000.
