Updated

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Monday, October 19, 2026, that federal officials have abdicated responsibility on regulating artificial intelligence and urged residents to resist the idea that an AI takeover is unavoidable. Speaking publicly, Mamdani called on New Yorkers to demand protective regulations and push to return power to the public. His comments reflect growing political debate over the pace of AI development and the absence of comprehensive federal oversight. The remarks position Mamdani as a local political voice weighing in on a national policy gap around AI governance.