New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is under fire after reports surfaced that he jetted off to a lavish political conference in Puerto Rico just days after his election win.
The timing has sparked outrage as the nation faces the longest government shutdown in history.
Critics say Mamdani’s decision reveals where his real priorities lie.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) blasted the socialist mayor-elect for heading to the upscale SOMOS Conference instead of focusing on working families in crisis.
“If Zohran Mamdani is truly serious about helping working families, he wouldn’t be jetting off to a luxury resort the moment he wins an election,” Lawler told Fox News.
Reports from Politico and City & State confirm that Mamdani is set to attend a reception hosted by New York Attorney General Letitia James at the El Caribe Hilton. The beachfront hotel boasts 17 acres of tropical landscaping, nine restaurants, and an oceanfront pool complex.
Fox News said it obtained an invitation proving Mamdani’s attendance at the Thursday night event. The conference schedule includes luncheons and panels with titles like “Celebrating Human Services Together” and “Workforce Development Through Rising Communities.”
The event will wrap up with a “Toes in the Sand Beachfront Party,” according to the program.
Lawler didn’t stop there, suggesting that other top Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) might also be attending, per Trending Politics.
“If so, why? Who’s looking out for New Yorkers while they’re on the beach?” Lawler said.
He accused state Democrats of being completely disconnected from the real struggles happening back home.
“It’s a disgrace — and why New Yorkers are leaving this state in droves,” Lawler said. “Ask them why they’re partying in Puerto Rico while New Yorkers are suffering through an affordability crisis and a government shutdown.”
Lawler said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) was invited but is not attending.
The SOMOS conference has long been considered a power mixer for New York’s political class. Both parties have attended in the past, but this year’s event is drawing particular attention as the shutdown drags on and thousands wait for paychecks.
Mamdani’s decision to attend is also being criticized as hypocritical. The self-described socialist campaigned on fighting inequality and protecting working families, but is now partying at a tropical retreat.
His victory over Curtis Sliwa and Andrew Cuomo made him one of the youngest mayors in city history. But the optics of sipping cocktails on a Caribbean beach while workers back home struggle could haunt him for months.
Democrats at the conference are reportedly celebrating after statewide wins and Cuomo’s second blowout loss. Politico says the mood this year is upbeat compared to 2024, when President Donald Trump’s landslide victory left Democrats reeling.
