Can Homeowners Save New York State from Socialism?

American Thinker ^ | 3 Jul, 2026 | Linda R. Killian

[MtnClimber]

In November, the suburbs of New York City will be the pivotal arena for whether the Democratic Socialists of America cement their takeover of the entire state from their New York City stronghold. The decisive issue is not crime, deteriorating quality of life, or high taxes, but one that is arousing significant suburban anxiety: the DSA’s vendetta against the American Dream of homeownership.

Residents of Westchester and Nassau counties, which abut the northern Bronx and eastern Queens, and of whom 80% own their homes, are watching with increasing unease Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s mounting attacks on the city’s homeowners, and logically assuming that they are next.

Despite Westchester County’s nearly 3-1 Democrat voter registration advantage over Republicans and a 15% advantage in Nassau, the DSA’s Marxist belief that property ownership is evil may elect a Republican governor for the first time in more than 20 years. The electoral math is such that if Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman can earn a five-point swing in the metro area over Republican Lee Zeldin’s statewide 6% loss to Democrat Kathy Hochul in 2022, he clinches a Republican victory. Some political analysts believe that Zeldin lost because he failed to focus more on the threats to single-family housing.

Blakeman is the popular County Executive of Nassau, winning re-election in 2025 by 55%-45%; in contrast, Kathy Hochul’s favorability rating, according to the most recent Sienna poll, is 43%-44%, which is not good for an incumbent. Her support for the New York City mayor has contributed to her unpopularity.

The Mamdani administration is an avowed opponent of private property, excepting the Mamdani family’s residential assets here and in Uganda. Hochul and the Democrat-controlled legislature cravenly caved to his demand for a punitive surcharge on luxury second homes worth over $5 million under a new pied-a-terre tax.

[Macoozie]

“Westchester County’s nearly 3-1 Democrat voter registration advantage over Republicans “

Don’t confuse Touchy Feely Social Liberalism with anything like the DSA crapola.

Try and put your kid into any Westchester school outside your redlined neighborhood. Never ever happen.

“Affordable Housing”? They vote for it but for YOUR neighborhood, but their NIMBY mindset rules.

$1.5M for a 1960’s 1,200 sqft raised ranch on 1/3 acre with $20K in property taxes controls your thinking much more than your idiot kids latest College trend.

The folks with the Westchester second-home don’t give a shiite about it at all. The full 1 acre property is surrounded by like minds.

Then, if required, the Top Drawer Legal Teams on Retainer with crush any lasting thoughts of Revolution.

Mamdani won’t get anything in Westchester. If he tries, he’ll get thrown out of office.

Scarsdale/Rye/Pelham Manor/New Rochelle water front ain’t Minneapolis.

[DownInFlames]

If you didn’t vote or voted Dem, you’re responsible.

[The Louiswu]

No

[Vermont Lt]

I cannot imagine Congress stepping up for that.

[chopperk]

With dems in power they will push socialism.

[FormerFRLurker]

I wouldn’t equate “homeowner” with “conservative”. Some are, but quite a few limousine liberals own property here in Commiefornia. They vote to restrict housing supply via overregulation. They are the singular cause of California’s outrageous housing prices.

Limiting the vote to property owners would just cause the property owners to pull the ladder up behind them and make it harder for non-owners to become owners. Why preserve equality of opportunity when you can artificially restrict supply?

[Albion Wilde]

[Albion Wilde]

I have said for many years: “Only those who own property should be allowed to vote.”

I couldn't agree more. It's what the Founders envisioned—people with a stake in our nation and society. For those who only own investments on paper, a certain threshold can be determined from tax returns.