NYC Mayor Mamdani Warns on AI Data Center Risk
Original: ‘Our Risk, Their Reward’: Zohran Mamdani on AI and Data Centers
Why This Matters
A major U.S. city mayor's AI and data center stance signals growing municipal pushback on Big Tech.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, 34, with a 69% approval rating 10 months into office, tells WIRED that AI data center expansion puts public risk against private reward, and shares his stance on AI in schools ahead of 2026 midterms.
A year after his surprise rise from political unknown to New York City's mayor, Zohran Mamdani sat down with WIRED at City Hall to discuss AI policy, data centers, and how he uses social media as a governing tool. His phrase 'our risk, their reward' frames his skepticism toward large-scale AI infrastructure deals that expose communities to environmental and economic downsides while tech companies capture the upside. Mamdani, who built his campaign largely on affordability messaging and a social media fluency that outpaced most national politicians, now carries a 69 percent approval rating among NYC voters—a striking number for any major-city mayor. The interview, conducted ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, also touched on AI use in public schools, where Mamdani has had to balance the pace of tech adoption against equity and safety concerns. Now 34, he acknowledged the contrast between the high-energy campaign and the slower grind of governing. Still, aides and observers note he has grown more confident and direct in his public positions, particularly on tech-industry accountability.