The Conservative Party of New York State weighed in on Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary, accusing the Democratic Party of veering toward socialism and pledging to do “everything in its power” to oppose Zohran Mamdani’s candidacy in the general election.
In a June 25 statement, Conservative Party Chair Gerard Kassar said that while the organization had a “successful Primary Day,” most public attention centered on Mamdani’s win in the Democratic primary. He said Mamdani’s first-round victory was “no surprise,” citing what he described as the Democratic Party’s “slide toward socialism for years.”
Kassar described the Democratic field as radical, calling it “unmoored to all economic and social reality,” and expressed concern over what Mamdani’s candidacy represents for the city. He further stated that the party anticipates more voters will join the “conservative side” as a result, and that it would work to oppose Mamdani in November.
The Conservative Party did not hold a primary on Tuesday, as Bronx resident Irene Estrada was the sole candidate seeking the party’s mayoral nomination. Estrada previously ran as the Conservative Party nominee for New York State Senate District 36 in 2024 and as a Democratic candidate in the 2023 city council primary.
As of this article, it has opted not to back Republican Curtis Sliwa, whom it similarly declined to endorse in 2021, instead placing former NYPD officer Bill Pepitone on its ballot line that cycle. This is notable because the party has historically supported Republican nominees except under certain circumstances, and no official reason has been given for its decision not to back Sliwa.
Despite the state party nominating Estrada, the party’s Rockland County affiliate did announce its support for Sliwa on Wednesday afternoon.
The text of the statement published by the party is included below:
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, [Number redacted]
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2025STATEMENT ON 2025 PRIMARIES FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
“The Conservative Party had a successful Primary Day, but everyone, obviously, wants to talk about the Democratic Primary in New York City last night in which Socialist Zohran Mamdani prevailed. It should have come as no surprise: The Democratic Party has been sliding toward Socialism for years. Anyone brave enough to have endured the New York City Democratic mayoral debates could plainly see where the party of Jackson has arrived. It is angry, it is radical, and it’s unmoored to all economic and social reality.
“So, now, the red flag of Socialism (and multi-color flag of transgenderism) may symbolically fly over both the United Nations and City Hall. This, in a city built on economic freedom and under the shadow of Lady Liberty’s Bibles and torch. The ironies cut deeply, indeed. More will join the conservative side as their eyes open.
“The Conservative Party will do everything in its power to oppose Mr. Mamdani’s candidacy and policies, but we will not feign shock at last night’s results. Socialist Zohran Mamdani is the New York Democratic Party, and that’s nothing new.”
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Perhaps they should try to find a Buckley for the general election.