Mamdani on working with NY Gov. Hochul
NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani opened up about working with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, insisting that the two would remain aligned after “an incredibly productive” meeting.
NEW YORK – During his 2025 campaign, Zohran Mamdani made three bold promises to New Yorkers: free buses, a rent freeze and childcare for all. Now, the mayor-elect told FOX 5 NY’s Morgan McKay that he and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul are closing in on a plan to make one of these pledges a reality.
What they’re saying:
“The governor has said that 2026 is the year of childcare … We’re going into fiscal year 2027, and we want to continue to deliver on the agenda that we ran on. I’m excited when we’re speaking with the governor because there’s a recognition from both of us on the need for universal childcare,” Mamdani said in this week’s episode of Politics Unusual.
The backstory:
The relationship between Big Apple mayor and Empire State governor is historically fraught, marked by political rivalries and bitter feuds. Yet Mamdani emphasized that his early conversations with Hochul have been marked by cooperation rather than conflict because the two leaders have “a clear alignment of the importance of delivering on universal childcare and on an affordability agenda.”
“The feeling I’ve gotten from the governor [in meetings] is one of actual partnership. And I wish it wasn’t so remarkable to say,” he said.
Zohran Mamdani speaks in the Astoria neighborhood during an event announcing funding for expanding the Astoria’s Variety Boys and Girls Club to help start a $300 million expansion project Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, in Queens, New York. (Barry Williams/N
In the past, Hochul has pledged to work against some of Mamdani’s proposals, such as raising taxes on high-income New Yorkers, but Mamdani says he’s open to exploring “additional or alternate revenue sources” to pay for his plans.
“I really do see the possibility for us to both defend New Yorkers from a federal administration that has been looking to go after them time and time again,” he said.
You can watch Mamdani’s full Politics Unusual at 6:30 p.m. on FOX 5 and the FOX LOCAL New York app and channel, available wherever you stream.Â
What’s next for Mamdani
Dig deeper:
In this week’s interview, McKay and Mamdani also discuss:
The mayor-elect’s transition process, including announcing his transition teamHis conversations with family and friends about the new role, and how he is navigating the increased media attention and national scrutinyMamdani’s plans to call President Trump and his approach to working with the federal government while also standing up for New YorkersThe mayor-elect’s relationship and plans to work with current NYPD Commissioner Jessica TischUpcoming transition steps like meeting with Mayor Eric Adams and deciding on the inauguration location and whether to live in Gracie Mansion
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Each week on Politics Unusual, FOX 5 NY political reporter Morgan McKay breaks down the week’s biggest local and national political headlines. Tune in at 6:30 p.m. Fridays on FOX 5 and FOX LOCAL New York, and watch full episodes on the FOX LOCAL app and our YouTube page.
The Source: This article is based on information from a live interview with mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
Zohran Mamdani2025 election for NYC mayorPoliticsPolitics UnusualNew York City