Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani responded on Wednesday to billionaire Bill Ackman’s olive branch following his historic election win, emphasizing that New York City’s business leaders now need to work alongside him.
Ackman, a hedge fund titan who vocally opposed Mamdani during the campaign, offered his congratulations shortly after the Democratic socialist declared victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. “Congrats on the win. Now you have a big responsibility. If I can help NYC, just let me know what I can do,” Ackman posted on X late Tuesday.
Initially, Ackman had endorsed Mayor Eric Adams early in the race before making a dramatic about-face to support Cuomo, who ran as an independent, just weeks ahead of the election.
When asked about Ackman’s offer to help during an appearance on “Good Morning America” early Wednesday, Mamdani said, “I appreciated his words. I think what I find is that there is a needed commitment from leaders of the city to speak and work with anyone who is committed to lowering the cost of living in the city, and that’s something that I will fulfill.”
Earlier in the campaign, when endorsing Cuomo’s now-failed bid, Ackman praised the former governor, arguing he had the “relevant experience and skills necessary” to improve the city.
“There is a lot that needs to be improved in New York City. @andrewcuomo is an experienced leader that cares deeply about our city who has the relevant experience and skills necessary to lead and greatly improve NYC,” Ackman said at the time. “Andrew had major accomplishments as our governor. He also made some mistakes. I am a huge believer in backing leaders who have learned from their mistakes and have something to prove.”
https://nypost.com/2025/11/05/us-news/anti-billionaire-zohran-mamdani-responds-bill-ackmans-olive-branch/
