New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is encountering criticism just weeks into his administration due to a public service announcement campaign featuring his image on over 2,220 digital screens across the city. The advertisements, which encourage families to enroll their children in pre-K and 3-K programs, display Mamdani in a classroom setting, delivering a message aimed at parents. In the video, he states, “Last week we announced we won more than $100 million in new funding to make 3-K truly universal, and today is a great day to sign up.”
Critics argue that the mayor is engaging in self-promotion too soon into his term. Commentators have expressed concerns that Mamdani is prioritizing personal visibility over governance. Nicole Gelinas, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, remarked, “If Eric Adams did this, everyone would be cringing and saying he was using the kiosks for shameless self-promotion.” Adams, the former mayor who left office at the end of 2025, was often scrutinized for similar practices.
Adding to the controversy, Melissa DeRosa, a former senior advisor to ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, highlighted potential legal implications. “There’s a state law that bans this and for good reason — tax dollars shouldn’t be spent propping up elected officials,” DeRosa stated. A state law enacted in 2007 prohibits elected officials from appearing in government-funded public service advertisements.
Response from Mamdani’s Office
Mamdani’s administration has defended the ads, asserting that they do not violate the aforementioned law. According to spokesperson Dora Pekec, the city did not purchase the advertisements, making the use of the mayor’s image permissible. “LinkNYC is required to broadcast city public service announcements as part of their operating agreement, and the City did not use any taxpayer dollars to place this advertisement,” Pekec said.
The LinkNYC kiosks, which provide free internet access throughout the city, are mandated to air public service announcements under their franchise agreement. A LinkNYC representative confirmed that the ads are provided at no cost to the city, emphasizing that previous administrations have utilized similar arrangements without issue.
The situation has drawn parallels to the previous administration, which faced backlash over ads that emphasized positive city statistics, including crime reductions, without directly featuring Adams. While those ads directed viewers to a website, they did not include the former mayor’s image.
As the controversy unfolds, it reflects a broader discussion on the use of public platforms by elected officials for personal branding. Mamdani’s early foray into this territory has ignited debate about the balance between public service and self-promotion in the political arena.
