Zohran Mamdani draws backlash with 78-degree AC recommendation amid NYC heat wave

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani drew backlash from Republicans after recommending residents set their air conditioners to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during a heat wave to conserve energy.

Mamdani, a Democratic state assemblymember, made the suggestion amid soaring temperatures that have prompted heat advisories across the city. He argued that slightly higher thermostat settings could reduce strain on the electrical grid and lower utility bills.

Republican opponents criticized the recommendation as out of touch with the realities of a heat wave, where vulnerable populations including the elderly and those without adequate cooling face health risks. They accused Mamdani of prioritizing energy conservation over public safety.

The controversy highlights the broader debate over balancing energy efficiency with public health during extreme weather events, as climate change drives more frequent and intense heat waves.