Two socialist congressional candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani plan to vote down the Department of Homeland Security budget next year.
The maneuver by Democratic Socialists of America contenders Darializa Avila-Chevalier and Claire Valdez could imperil over $215 million in counter-terrorism grants for New York City.
Primary victories positioned both candidates to win House seats representing Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens in November.
The federal funding flows through the Urban Areas Security Initiative, a post-9/11 program providing security grants to major cities.
An insider expressed frustration while describing the ongoing strategy among the incoming progressive lawmakers.
“They are trying to figure out how to hurt DHS even if it costs NYC millions,” the insider said.
The source added that political messaging appeared to take precedence over municipal financial consequences.
“They don’t care what it costs NYC,” the source said.
“They are there to make a point,” the source added.
A spokesperson for Valdez denied the allegations in an email statement sent to reporters.
“This reporting is wholly inaccurate and any anonymous source describing Claire’s plans for Congress is misinformed, lying or both,” the representative said.
Mayor Mamdani highlighted the necessity of federal counter-terrorism funds for emergency services.
“We are not talking about reports or studies or abstract security proposals,” Mamdani said.
“We are talking about the money needed to fully fund 12 bomb squads across New York,” Mamdani added.
A federal source criticized the candidates for putting ideological goals ahead of responder safety.
“Both of these incoming members know they are piecing together a plan that hurts New York City financially, the safety of first responders, and their own voters — they just don’t care,” the federal source said.
“It’s the exact opposite of ‘never forget,’” the federal source added.