November 4, 2026 NEW YORK, NY Despite a passionate, last-ditch effort by horse carriage drivers, industry representatives, and labor leaders at City Hall on Wednesday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that he intends to sign Romanch’s Law—officially phasing out Central Park's iconic horse-drawn carriage industry by June 2028.

The public hearing held in City Hall’s Blue Room on November 4 marked an emotional showdown between carriage operators fighting for their livelihoods and animal welfare advocates celebrating the end of a decades-long struggle.

Last-Ditch Pleas at City Hall: "This Bill Calls to Take Everything"

Carriage operators and union representatives from TWU Local 100 stood directly before Mayor Mamdani to plead for a mayoral veto. They argued that the legislation severely punishes hard-working immigrants and drivers who have invested their life savings into horses, equipment, and city medallions.

• Connor McHugh, a veteran carriage driver who immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland 40 years ago, delivered an impassioned testimony:

  “This bill calls to take everything that I own, that I have worked hard for, away from me. I came to this country 40 years ago without a penny in my pocket, and I have worked damn hard. I know, in your heart, you cannot do this to me or to my colleagues, to take away everything we own from us, even though we did nothing wrong.”

• Christina Hansen, TWU Local 100 shop steward for the carriage industry, warned of impending legal action:

  “I am asking you to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New York and veto this bill. It is unconstitutional. It is cruel. It should not bear your name.”

Industry supporters also sought to refute claims of animal cruelty, citing mandatory care standards including veterinary access, regulated daily work limits, and five weeks of mandated annual vacation for the horses.

The Catalyst Behind the Ban: The Tragedy of Romanch Mahajan

The push to end horse-drawn carriage rides in New York City gained decisive political momentum following the tragic death of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist from India who was killed in June after a startled horse bolted and flipped the carriage.

Following the incident:

1. Sponsorship & Passage: Manhattan Council Member Christopher Marte introduced the legislation, renaming it in honor of Mahajan. Backed by City Council Speaker Julie Menin, the City Council passed the measure by a decisive 40-7 vote.

2. Advocacy Triumph: Animal rights organizations, including New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS), praised the legislation as a vital public safety and animal welfare victory.

Mayor Mamdani Responds: "I Will Still Be Signing It"

Following the public hearing, Mayor Mamdani addressed reporters during a press conference to reiterate his intent to enact the law while emphasizing his respect for the displaced workforce.

“I will still be signing it,” Mamdani confirmed. “I want to emphasize my respect for them and for the work that they do. These are drivers who care deeply for their horses and have built their livelihoods through this work. And many of them, I know, are still in debt from buying their medallion and are deeply worried about the financial implications.”

Key Provisions of Romanch’s Law & Next Steps

Despite the inclusion of workforce transition language, TWU Local 100 has maintained that these measures are insufficient and plans to challenge the law in federal court immediately upon the Mayor's signature.

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