**Billionaire Supporters Step Up for Zoran Mamdani on Election Day**
As the sun rises over New York City on election day, the stakes have never been higher. Voters are faced with a choice that could reshape the city’s future, and on one side of the political battleground stands Zoran Mamdani. This self-described Democratic socialist has sparked a frenzy among the elite, where the battle lines are drawn not just between candidates, but within the world of billionaire donors. Among the wealthiest, two notable names have thrown their financial weight behind Mamdani, hoping to steer the tides of change in the largest city in America.
In a recent analysis, it was revealed that a legion of 26 billionaires has collectively poured over $22 million into efforts to prevent Mamdani from seizing the mayoral throne. Leading the charge against him is none other than former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has personally contributed an additional $1.5 million to support Mamdani’s rival, the former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. This funding frenzy highlights the apprehension among billionaires regarding Mamdani’s bold claims that billionaires should not exist, raising eyebrows and causing a bit of a ruckus in high society.
Yet, as many attempt to block Mamdani, he finds himself with unexpected allies. Elizabeth Simons, the daughter of the late hedge fund magnate Jim Simons, has stepped up with a hefty $250,000 donation to New Yorkers for Lower Costs, the main organization backing Mamdani. Coming from a family with a storied history of political contributions, Elizabeth’s backing speaks volumes. Jim Simons, who founded Renaissance Technologies, was known for his investment prowess and generous Democratic donations that exceeded $100 million from 2015 to 2024. With Elizabeth’s roots in journalism and progressive causes, her commitment to social change seems as deep as the family fortune itself.
The other billionaire backing Mamdani is Tom Preston Warner, co-founder of the popular software development platform GitHub. Although his contributions have been more modest, with a donation of $20,000 to New Yorkers for Lower Costs, his support is a testament to Mamdani’s appeal across the tech world. Preston Warner has a net worth of around $1 billion, thanks to Microsoft’s acquisition of GitHub for a staggering $7.5 billion. Unlike Simons, Preston Warner’s political donations are somewhat limited, but his philanthropic efforts, highlighted by generous contributions to COVID-19 relief and racial justice, indicate a broader social awareness.
Mamdani’s two billionaire backers together represent a significant portion—about 10%—of the funding amassed by New Yorkers for Lower Costs. This financial reinforcement is crucial, especially as Mamdani faces off against a cadre of wealthy opponents, including Democratic heavyweights and conservative supporters alike. With the election hanging in the balance, it’s clear that the financial landscape is as polarized as the political one.
As voting unfolds across New York City, the battle between billionaires continues, showcasing the dramatic interplay of money and politics. For now, it’s a waiting game to see if Mamdani’s vision can prevail, or if the deep pockets of his opponents can drown out the voice of change. One thing is clear: no matter the outcome, the story of this race will be a thrilling chapter in the city’s ongoing saga. Stay tuned, because this election day is one for the history books!
