During a Thursday interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) strongly criticized New York City mayoral candidate and Democratic Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, denouncing him as a “job-killing socialist” who supports higher taxes and engages in antisemitic rhetoric. The congressman’s comments reflect growing internal tensions within the Democratic Party between centrist and far-left factions.
Gottheimer was unequivocal in his remarks. “You’ll hear no ambiguity out of my mouth. We don’t need a job-killing socialist who wants to raise taxes and supports antisemitic rhetoric,” he stated. He pointed out that New York City already suffers from some of the highest tax burdens in the nation and is home to the country’s largest Jewish population. “I don’t get it. That’s not what we need,” he said.
The New Jersey Democrat emphasized the need for practical governance and fiscal responsibility. “I believe we need commonsense Democrats who are willing to solve problems, make life more affordable for people, take on higher taxes, and actually make sure that places run,” Gottheimer continued. He noted that affordability, whether in housing or other areas of daily life, should be a top priority for elected officials.
He also made a pointed distinction between traditional Democrats and self-identified socialists, saying, “Socialists are not Democrats. So, I don’t know why we would follow that approach.” He criticized socialism, tax increases, and what he described as rhetoric that condones antisemitism, calling such views “loathsome.”
The remarks come as the Democratic Party continues to battle over its identity, with moderates like Gottheimer urging a return to practical policy-making and a rejection of radical left-wing ideology. Mamdani has aligned himself with Democratic Socialists of America, a group that frequently clashes with more centrist party members.
