Governor Kathy Hochul has publicly denounced a proposal for taxpayer-funded supermarkets in New York City, a plan championed by socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
Hochul voiced her firm opposition during a business breakfast in the Hamptons on Saturday, stating her preference for “free enterprise” over government-run ventures.
Widespread Opposition from Democratic Figures
The governor’s comments add to a growing chorus of criticism from other prominent Democratic figures and business leaders. The breakfast event was hosted by John Catsimatidis, the owner of the Gristedes and D’Agostino supermarket chains.
Catsimatidis has been a vocal opponent, arguing that such a plan would severely undercut and harm private businesses that currently serve the city.
Further criticism has emerged from the camp of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Rich Azzopardi, a spokesman for the former governor, also condemned the proposal.
In a direct response, Cuomo has put forward his own legislation, mockingly titled “Zohran’s Law,” to counter what he described as a “Soviet”-style approach to the grocery market.
Concerns Over Financial Viability
Critics of the municipal supermarket plan often cite the failure of a similar initiative in Kansas City as a key reason for their skepticism.
The Sun Fresh Market in Kansas City, which was also a publicly supported grocery store, ultimately closed after a brief period of operation, raising serious questions about the financial sustainability of such a model.
This precedent is being used to argue that Mamdani’s proposal is based on a flawed concept that could become a significant burden on taxpayers.
The pushback against the supermarket plan coincides with other challenges for Mamdani, who represents Queens. The candidate is also facing scrutiny following an ethics complaint filed concerning his own rent-stabilized apartment.
