Mayor Mamdani said he won't accept raise after New York City Council approves pay hike

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Friday, July 17, 2026 6:34PM
Mayor Mamdani said he won't accept pay raise

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City lawmakers approved legislation to give themselves an 18% raise this week, but Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he won't take it.

Before the City Council passed the pay raise bill, Mamdani told reporters on Thursday that he won't accept the raise.

He was asked by reporters to elaborate on why.

"I just I haven't knocked on anyone's door in New York City and they've said their concern is that the mayor makes too little," Mamdani said.

He said he hopes instead that money will go to "the pockets of those who are struggling in the city."

If Mamdani signs the bill, it would mark the first City Council raise since 2016.

The pay raises were recommended by a commission appointed by Mamdani earlier this year.

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