By Admin 
34-year-old Zohran Mamdani, an assemblyman from Queens, New York, has created history and achieved a great feat by becoming the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor of New York City. But soon after his victory there was a stir in politics. Republican leader Elise Stefanik, close to Donald Trump, has announced her candidacy for the New York gubernatorial election to be held in 2026 and many political experts are seeing this as a preparation to remove Mamdani from the post.
Stefanik made this allegation on Mayor Mamdani
Stefanik made very aggressive statements after Mamdani’s victory. He called New York ‘America’s most expensive state’ and described current Governor Kathy Hocul as ‘America’s worst governor.’ Targeting Mamdani, he even called him ‘antisemite, jihadi and communist’. It is noteworthy that Hokul had supported Mamdani in the elections, while former Governor Andrew Cuomo had contested against him as an independent candidate.
What if Stefanik wins?
There is a rare but powerful provision in the New York State Constitution, under which the Governor can remove any mayor from office. If Stefanik wins in 2026, she can use this right to try to remove Mamdani.
According to the New York City Charter, the Governor can make allegations against the Mayor and send him a notice. The mayor will be given full opportunity to defend himself. The Governor can also suspend him for 30 days during the investigation. In case the mayor is removed, the city may have to hold a special election within 90 days. This power was last used in 1932, when Franklin Roosevelt removed the Manhattan sheriff.
Even the court cannot stop the Governor’s decision
According to state law, such a decision of the Governor cannot be challenged in court. Recently, Politico had reported that if necessary, Governor Hokul could also remove New York Mayor Eric Adams with the same authority.
Stefanik vs Hokul: a close contest in the survey
In the Manhattan Institute survey, Stefanik got 43% support and Hokul got 42% support, but in some other polls Hokul was seen ahead. That means the contest is going to be very close. Stefanik is a Harvard graduate and in 2014, at the age of 30, was among America’s youngest lawmakers. She was initially a centrist Republican, but later became a key ally of Donald Trump and created a new identity as a firebrand ‘MAGA’ leader. She said, ‘I am running to make New York safe and affordable. Our great state needs leadership of the new generation.
Mamdani’s victory changed the political equation of New York
Mamdani’s victory is not only historic but also indicates a new direction in New York politics, but after Stefanik’s entry in the governor race, it is clear that in the coming two years, there will be a sharp confrontation in New York politics and the center of it will be Zoharan Mamdani, who has now become the first Muslim mayor of the country’s most powerful municipality.