Can Tech Work With Zohran Mamdani? | Julie Samuels

How does New York’s tech industry navigate AI, city politics, and a new mayor in the Trump era?Julie Samuels, President and CEO of Tech:NYC, joins the Newcomer Podcast to discuss the growing intersection of technology and politics. Samuels has spent years at the center of New York’s tech ecosystem, working with founders and policymakers as the industry becomes a larger force in public policy.Eric and Julie talk about tensions between the tech industry and progressive politics, including the rise of Zohran Mamdani and how tech leaders are navigating a shifting political landscape. They also discuss Trump-era tech politics, efforts to modernize government with technology, New York’s Empire AI initiative, and debates around wealth taxes, billionaire flight, and the energy demands of AI data centers.Julie also explains the work Tech:NYC does behind the scenes to advocate for the industry while trying to bridge the growing gap between technologists and the public.Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping technology, venture capital, and policy.