Can Homeowners Save New York State from Socialism?

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. 

Linda R. Killian | August 3, 2026

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........

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