I believe the real reason why "the rich" in NYC are panicking over Mamdani is
partly because of the money they believe they're going to lose if he wins, and mostly because they won't be able to control him.
It's one thing to believe they're "King Makers" and can put someone they choose into office. It's another thing to know they can pick up the phone to the Mayor, get right through, and tell him what they want, and they'll get it.
Example: Billionaire John Catsimatidis owns Gristedes and D'Agostinos supermarkets and Red Apple Media (WABC radio). Failed mayoral candidate. Bought himself a radio station in order to pontificate and vague hopes of influencing local politics. Initially bet on his WABC employee Curtis Sliwa to win the mayoral election. His boy in Gracie Mansion. But when it appeared that Sliwa had no chance of winning, "Cats" panicked. Mamdani would not be eager to listen to him when elected. So "Cats" switched to Cuomo in hopes that his support would be remembered if he won. So desperate that he's supporting a Democrat whom he and his WABC family thoroughly trashed during the Covid pandemic and the multiple accusations of sexual harassment. In order to stay relevant.