“I’d argue that this time around Democrats won’t want to stop [the borough’s secession] because it would make it even less likely [NYC] ever elects a Republican mayor again.”
Following the election of socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s next mayor, Staten Island lawmakers are reviving efforts to secede and form an independent city.
State Senator Andrew Lanza told the New York Post he plans to “put the foot to the pedal” on the initiative in January, arguing that Mamdani “could not be further out of sync with the values of communities on Staten Island, and I’d argue that this time around Democrats won’t want to stop [the borough’s secession] because it would make it even less likely [NYC] ever elects a Republican mayor again.”
Lanza has repeatedly pushed for secession legislation since 2008 with little progress, but he said the city’s increasingly far-left politics could motivate new support, even among some Democrats. He said he believes the “timing is right” and that independence for Richmond County next year would align symbolically with the United States marking its 250th anniversary.
On Friday, State Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo held a rally in Richmond where he read an independence declaration for Staten Island. He delivered the remarks at the location where British soldiers were first read the Declaration of Independence on Staten Island.
“I’m was trying to capitalize on the election of Mamdani as mayor,” Pirozzolo told the Post. “We are not declaring war on Manhattan or the rest of New York City, but elections should have some consequences.”
Staten Island has explored secession since the 1940s, and came close in 1993 when 65 percent of residents approved a non-binding referendum to leave the city. The movement stalled after then-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver refused to approve the “home rule message” required from the City Council.
For Staten Island to formally secede, state approval is necessary. Lanza’s proposal does not require approval from New York City officials, though he supports allowing Staten Islanders to vote on the matter.
City Councilman Frank Morano said he is preparing legislation that would require the city to study the economic effects of Staten Island becoming independent. Concerns have included the cost of creating separate police, fire and education departments, which some warn could lead to higher taxes.
Staten Island, the city’s least populated borough with roughly 500,000 residents, would become the second-largest city in New York State if it seceded, larger than cities such as Miami and Cleveland.
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