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Airbnb's Super PAC Spends $1 Million on Commercial Attacking NYC Mayor Candidates

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Airbnb's super PAC, Affordable New York, has invested $1 million in a commercial targeting three Democratic candidates for New York City mayor who oppose short-term rentals. The ad singles out Zohran Mamdani, Scott Stringer, and Brad Lander, accusing them of ignoring "common sense solutions" to make the city more affordable. The commercial comes as the race for the Democratic primary, scheduled for June 24, has narrowed to a two-person contest between Andrew Cuomo and Mamdani.

The commercial, which was put out online on Monday, argues that the three candidates' policies will make New York City more expensive, and they oppose solutions that would make the city more affordable. Airbnb has been attempting to reverse a 2022 law that prohibits short-term rentals in New York City, which has led to an over 90% drop in listings across the city since its implementation in September 2023.

The Democratic candidates faced off in their first televised debate on June 4, with Cuomo coming under attack from his rivals. A survey conducted by Data for Progress found that Cuomo was ahead by only two points, while a poll from Cuomo's camp showed a 12-point lead. Mamdani has won the backing of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who praised his ability to assemble a coalition of working-class New Yorkers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Airbnb's super PAC, Affordable New York, has spent $1 million on a commercial attacking three Democratic candidates for New York City mayor who oppose short-term rentals.
  • The commercial targets Zohran Mamdani, Scott Stringer, and Brad Lander, accusing them of ignoring "common sense solutions" to make the city more affordable.
  • The commercial comes as the Democratic primary, scheduled for June 24, has narrowed to a two-person contest between Andrew Cuomo and Mamdani.
  • The 2022 law prohibiting short-term rentals in New York City has led to an over 90% drop in listings across the city since its implementation in September 2023.
  • The Democratic candidates faced off in their first televised debate on June 4, with Cuomo coming under attack from his rivals.
  • A survey conducted by Data for Progress found that Cuomo was ahead by only two points, while a poll from Cuomo's camp showed a 12-point lead.
  • Mamdani has won the backing of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who praised his ability to assemble a coalition of working-class New Yorkers.

Statistics:

  • $1 million: Amount spent by Airbnb's super PAC on the commercial.
  • 90%: Drop in Airbnb listings across New York City following the implementation of the 2022 law.
  • 2022: Year the law prohibiting short-term rentals in New York City was introduced.
  • September 2023: Month the law prohibiting short-term rentals in New York City came into effect.
  • June 24: Scheduled date for the Democratic primary.
  • 2 points: Margin of victory in the survey conducted by Data for Progress.
  • 12 points: Margin of victory in the poll from Cuomo's camp.
  • 11: Number of Democratic candidates running for the nomination.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • Data for Progress
  • The New York Times (again)
  • AP

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