NEW YORK (VINnews)— Republican congressional candidate Caroline Shinkle is warning that New York City is approaching a political and economic crossroads, arguing that the policies championed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America threaten the city’s future, economy, and security.

In an interview with Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch on the Viktor Frankl Podcast, Shinkle, the Republican nominee for New York’s 12th Congressional District, outlined what she described as a stark choice between free-market prosperity and continued socialist policies. A corporate attorney, economist, and graduate of MIT and Harvard Law School, Shinkle has worked at the Federal Reserve, the Bank of Israel, and the European Central Bank.

Shinkle argued that New York’s affordability crisis is the product of years of excessive government spending, high taxes, and policies that discourage businesses from investing in the city.

“We need to bring jobs, capital, investment, and opportunity back to New York City,” she said, adding that public safety, lower taxes, educational reform, and strong support for Israel are resonating with voters across party lines.

The conversation also focused on the sharp rise in antisemitism across New York City. Shinkle blamed elected officials for failing to forcefully condemn anti-Jewish hatred and criticized Mayor Mamdani’s rhetoric following recent antisemitic incidents.

“What the Jewish community really needs right now is a true champion… who will always stand unapologetically with them and with the State of Israel,” she said, pointing to both her personal ties to Israel and her previous work at the Bank of Israel.

Turning to the economy, Shinkle argued that persistent federal deficit spending has fueled inflation while making life increasingly difficult for working families. She proposed eliminating the federal income tax on W-2 wages up to $150,000 and balancing the federal budget as part of a broader strategy to reduce inflation, lower interest rates, and stimulate economic growth.

She also criticized proposals such as New York’s pied-à-terre tax, warning that higher taxes and policies targeting successful taxpayers are driving businesses and residents to states such as Florida and Texas.

“We’re going to shock the system and show that Manhattan is back and that Manhattan is open for business,” she said, expressing confidence that New Yorkers are ready for a different direction.

Shinkle further warned that the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America extends well beyond local politics. She argued that New Yorkers must recognize the broader implications of policies that discourage private investment, expand government control, and undermine free enterprise.

Despite the challenges, Shinkle said she remains optimistic that voters from both major parties will unite around what she described as common-sense principles that restore economic opportunity, strengthen public safety, combat antisemitism, and preserve New York City’s role as a global center of commerce.

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