Kathy Hochu and Zohran Mamdani (Picture credit: AP)
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race, calling him a leader committed to affordability and safe neighborhoods.
Her support, announced in a New York Times op-ed and on social media, comes as Mamdani gains momentum with endorsements from unions and progressive lawmakers.
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What Kathy Hochul Said
Hochul, 67, from Buffalo, rose through her party’s ranks, while Mamdani, 33, was born in Uganda, raised in Manhattan, and surprised many by winning the Democratic primary in June.
She said that they have had disagreements but emphasized that he shares her vision for an affordable New York where families can thrive.
Both leaders are focused on addressing the affordability crisis, and their alliance could benefit them politically. Hochul faces a re-election battle next year against her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, and possibly Republican Elise Stefanik.
Mamdani, meanwhile, leads in the polls but still lacks support from top Democrats like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. His rivals, including Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, argue he is too far left and inexperienced.
Tensions Inside Party
The endorsement was a setback for Mamdani’s moderate opponents, who hoped to stop party leaders from backing him. But it also puts Hochul at odds with many of her own donors in real estate and finance, who see Mamdani as a threat and are organizing against him.
Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent and trailing in fourth place, is considering leaving the race. US President Donald Trump has also spoken out, saying he wants to stop Mamdani and hopes rivals will drop out. Hochul said, “Contrary to what the president thinks, he’s not a king, he’s not a kingmaker, and he should not be anointing the next mayor of New York City.”