New York politicians, including Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul, made their way to Puerto Rico Thursday 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, made their way to Puerto Rico Thursday for the annual Somos conference

Lawmakers gather on the island each year to discuss issues important to Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican communities

The conference also provides a change of scenery and a relaxed atmosphere where political circles can network and plan their next steps for the year to come

Many current and former members of Mayor Eric Adams’ lame duck administration are waiting to see whether they’ll still have a job after Dec. 31

Powerbrokers spent their Thursday waiting for face time with Mamdani — the star of the hour. The conference is also the official kickoff of the City Council speaker’s race and statewide contests, like Hochul’s reelection bid.

After arriving on a commercial flight Thursday afternoon, Mamdani reflected on his win.

“I’m so happy to be here in Puerto Rico. And you know that question was asked of me of where I would go outside of the country, and I’m happy to be here at Somos,” Mamdani said.

All eyes will be on him and his ability to deliver promises like a free bus program, universal child care and a tax hike.

“Two most straightforward ways to raise the revenue to fund our affordability agenda is by raising the personal income tax on New Yorkers who make $1 million or more by 2% and raising the state’s top corporate tax to match that of New Jersey,” Mamdani said.

He also reacted to President Donald Trump, who said earlier that Mamdani should give him a call.

“I will be looking forward to having a conversation with President Trump, and it’s a conversation that will be geared towards serving New Yorkers across the five boroughs.”

Mamdani then paid his respects to a key ally, Attorney General Letitia James, and powerful labor union, DC37.

He was also joined by Gov. Kathy Hochul on stage, although aligned with Mamdani on universal childcare, she remains opposed to raising income taxes — a scourge of the business community that backs her.

Hochul found out late Thursday that Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik is expected to announce that she’s challenging her for governor on Friday, according to a source familiar with Stefani’s plans.

Meanwhile, many current and former members of Mayor Eric Adams’ lame duck administration are waiting to see whether they’ll still have a job after Dec. 31.

That includes Department of Education Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who refused to speak to NY1 about whether Mamdani has asked her to stay.

It’s also the start of a competitive battle for City Council speaker between Councilmembers Christopher Marte, Amanda Farias, Crystal Hudson and Julie Menin.

Although Mamdani hasn’t tipped his hand yet on a possible preference.

“I talked to him a couple of days ago, and there’s so many areas of commonality surrounding universal childcare, building affordable housing. I’m really excited about the council having a proactive vision,” Menin said.

“I’m excited about the big broad coalition that I’ve continued to build throughout my career, and in this race, it’s no different than it’s been in all the others,” Hudson said.

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.

“One: embrace the fact that this is going to be the person that’s going to usher in some of the campaign promises that he made, and then two: how does he work with the new City Council?,” Democratic Brooklyn Assemblyman Brian Cunningham said.

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.