New York politicians, including Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul, are making their way to Puerto Rico for the annual Somos conference.
Officially, lawmakers gather on the island each year to discuss issues important to Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican communities.
Unofficially, the conference provides a change of scenery and a relaxed atmosphere where political circles can network and plan their next steps for the year to come.
What You Need To Know
New York politicians, including Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul, are making their way to Puerto Rico for the annual Somos conference
Lawmakers gather on the island each year to discuss issues important to Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican communities
Mamdani and Hochul are both expected to deliver remarks at the conference Thursday evening, according to their public schedules
Mamdani and Hochul are both expected to deliver remarks at the conference Thursday evening, according to their public schedules.
The big questions: Will Mamdani and Hochul have a one-on-one meeting? Will they be able to start talking about some of the ideas Mamdani has pledged to deliver on? And will the governor and the state legislature be on board with them?
What also remains to be seen: Who exactly is joining the Mamdani administration? And will anyone at Somos be auditioning for a job?
While Mamdani has already announced his transition team, there are still appointments to be made, as well as key areas of city government that he will have to make decisions on.
Former and current lawmakers NY1 spoke with at Somos had questions and predictions for the future of the city.
“It’s about, how do we hold the line and make the city more affordable, New York City? How is it that we open up more opportunities?” former Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. said.
“I’m not a big fan of just raising taxes as it is, right? I have to understand a little bit better [Mamdani’s] plan on that aspect,” Bronx Assemblyman George Alvarez said. “But everything else, I’m 100% with him.”
Although many lawmakers say they support Mamdani’s vision for moving New York City forward, they have concerns about federal funding cuts and threats from President Donald Trump, as well as what’s on the docket for New York state and whether those funding cuts will become a reality.
They have many questions, especially leading up to the start of the legislative session, which begins in January.
Hochul, for her part, could possibly be a big ally for Mamdani — or a big thorn in his side, especially as she is facing her own reelection in 2026.