A larger socialist bloc is headed to Albany, setting up fresh fights over real estate policy.
The Legislature’s Democratic Socialists of America caucus is poised to grow from nine members to at least 15, with another seat still too close to call in Syracuse, after Tuesday’s Democratic primaries. The gains fall well short of giving the DSA control of Albany, but they will give the organization a louder voice in the debate over New York’s housing agenda.
Real estate leaders expect the caucus to push harder for expanded rent regulation, stronger tenant protections and more investment in social housing, reviving proposals the industry has spent years fighting. Trade groups and lobbyists say they’re preparing to play defense on left-leaning bills, including those that would make it easier for municipalities outside New York City to adopt rent stabilization, create commercial rent control in the boroughs and bar landlords whose properties have code violations from pursuing evictions or buying additional properties…