NEW YORK, NY — Joseph Hernandez, Republican candidate for New York State Comptroller, today slammed Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s reported plan to hire a slate of “mass engagement” staffers with taxpayer-funded six-figure salaries totaling nearly $2 million, calling it a blatant misuse of public resources to advance a political agenda rather than address the city’s affordability crisis.
According to recent reports, Mamdani’s administration is expanding its payroll with highly compensated political-style positions designed to drive “engagement,” a move Hernandez says is more about building ideological infrastructure for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) than delivering results for struggling New Yorkers.
“This is exactly what makes New Yorkers fed up: politicians using taxpayer dollars to build their own political machine,” Hernandez said. “At a time when families are struggling to pay rent, afford groceries, and stay in this city, Mayor Mamdani is handing out six-figure salaries for what amounts to political organizing inside City Hall.”
Hernandez raised particular alarm over the involvement of state taxpayer dollars, noting that Governor Kathy Hochul has committed $1.5 billion in state funding to help close New York City’s budget gap. Which means taxpayers across the entire state are funding Mamdani’s socialist agenda.
“Let me be clear, this isn’t just about New York City money anymore, this is tax dollars from residents in Buffalo, Syracuse, Long Island, and beyond,” Hernandez said. “And it is being funneled into a system that prioritizes ideology over accountability.”
Hernandez pledged that, if elected Comptroller, he would aggressively audit any state funds flowing into New York City to ensure they are not being used to subsidize political operations or advance partisan agendas.
“If Mayor Mamdani is going to rely on billions in state taxpayer dollars, then he will be held accountable for every single dollar,” Hernandez said. “As State Comptroller, I will conduct independent audits, stop taxpayer dollars from being misspent, and make sure New Yorkers and funding important public services instead of socialism.”
“New York cannot afford to become a vehicle for political agendas funded by the public,” Hernandez said. “We need a State Comptroller who will follow the money, enforce accountability, and put taxpayers first.”