Politics

GOP Slams Mamdani for ‘Luxury Resort’ Trip

By Jake Beardslee · November 7, 2025

Zohran Mamdani photographed in Assembly District 36, photographed by Kara McCurdy. Karamccurdy, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is facing backlash from Republicans for attending a policy conference in Puerto Rico just days after his election victory—and during what has become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) told Fox News Digital, “If Zohran Mamdani is truly serious about helping working families, he wouldn’t be jetting off to a luxury resort the moment he wins an election.” Lawler accused Mamdani of hypocrisy, saying the trip contradicted his campaign promises to champion working-class New Yorkers.

Mamdani is expected to attend the 2025 SOMOS Conference in Puerto Rico on Thursday, according to Fox News Digital. The schedule shows Mamdani listed for a cocktail reception hosted by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The annual event brings together New York political figures across party lines for panels and receptions.

Lawler questioned whether other top Democrats—including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Governor Kathy Hochul—would also be in attendance. “If so, why? Who’s looking out for New Yorkers while they’re on the beach?” he asked. Lawler later added, “It’s a disgrace — and why New Yorkers are leaving this state in droves. I’m calling on every reporter covering SOMOS to demand answers from these Democrats.”

The SOMOS conference is being held at the El Caribe Hilton in San Juan, which its website describes as an “iconic beachfront paradise” with “17 acres of tropical landscaping, nine restaurants, island-inspired rooms, spa, and oceanfront pool complex.” The multi-day event features policy panels, luncheons, and concludes with a “Toes in the Sand Beachfront Party.”

Mamdani, a self-described socialist who ran on the Democratic ticket, recently defeated Republican Curtis Sliwa and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, becoming one of New York City’s youngest mayors in modern history. His campaign focused on affordability, free childcare, and housing reform.