After nearly three months of silence, Governor Kathy Hochul finally endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor. The Mamdani mayoral endorsement arrived Sunday night through a social media post from the governor.
“New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Trump,” Hochul wrote. “That’s @ZohranKMamdani.” Hochul’s endorsement now boosts Mamdani’s campaign just weeks before the general election. It also puts pressure on other top Democrats.
Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, both top Democratic leaders, have yet to offer their support. Meanwhile, Mamdani thanked Hochul for her backing. He praised her work on childcare, school meals, and opposition to Trump.
Hochul’s announcement came after private meetings with Mamdani. She revealed disagreements but also praised his leadership and goals. “I heard someone focused on affordability,” Hochul wrote in a New York Times op-ed. “We share that vision for New York.”
Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist from Queens, shocked many by winning the Democratic primary in June. Additionally, He beat former Governor Andrew Cuomo and nine others by a strong margin. Recent polls show him with a 22-point lead.
Progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders helped push Mamdani’s campaign into the national spotlight. He ran on bold proposals like fare-free buses, rent freezes, and free childcare for young children. At the same time, Mamdani faced criticism for past comments about the NYPD and policing. Hochul addressed that issue directly.
She said she urged him to support strong leadership in the NYPD. According to Hochul, Mamdani agreed. In addition, they discussed antisemitism. Hochul noted Mamdani’s recent outreach to Jewish leaders as a positive step forward. Unsurprisingly, Republicans quickly attacked the endorsement. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik called Mamdani a “communist” who would ruin the city.
Despite backlash, the Mamdani mayoral endorsement may help Hochul connect with younger progressive voters as she seeks reelection. Mamdani expressed gratitude and emphasized shared priorities. “We’re building a stronger, safer New York City together,” he said. As momentum grows, the Mamdani mayoral endorsement could reshape the Democratic Party’s future in New York.
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