New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Party mayoral nominee in New York City. (Left: John Lamparski/Getty Images, Right: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hochul announced her support for Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist state lawmaker from Queens who shocked the political world in June with his convincing win over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and nine other candidates to capture the Democratic Party's mayoral nomination, in the New York Times.
"In the past few months, I’ve had frank conversations with him. We’ve had our disagreements," the governor wrote. "But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family. I heard a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable — a goal I enthusiastically support."
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The Ugandan-born Mamdani, if elected, would become the first Muslim and first millennial mayor of the nation's most populous city. He is the clear frontrunner in the latest public opinion polls in the mayoral race in the Democrat-dominated city.
New York City mayoral candidates, from left to right, Democratic Party nominee Zohran Mamdani, Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is also running as an independent, and Republican Party nominee Curtis Sliwa. (Getty Images)
Mamdani surged to the Democratic primary victory thanks to an energetic campaign that put a major focus on affordability and New York City's high cost of living. It was fueled by a grassroots army of supporters and backing from top national progressive champions, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
Mamdani made smart use of social media platforms, including TikTok, as he engaged low-propensity voters. He proposed eliminating fares to ride New York City's vast bus system, making CUNY (City University of New York) "tuition-free," freezing rents on municipal housing, offering "free childcare" for children up to age 5 and setting up government-run grocery stores.
Mamdani has been heavily criticized by his rivals for his past critical comments of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and his proposal to shift certain responsibilities away from the NYPD and focus on social services and community-based program.
Hochul said that in her conversations with Mamdani she made "it very clear that our police officers should have every resource to keep our streets and subways safe. I urged him to ensure that there is strong leadership at the helm of the N.Y.P.D. — and he agreed."
The governor also addressed Mamdani's past critical comments about Israel.
"We discussed the need to combat the rise of antisemitism urgently and unequivocally. I’ve been glad to see him meet with Jewish leaders across the city, listening and addressing their concerns directly," Hochul said.
Hochul's endorsement may not only benefit Mamdani, but could also help the governor shore up support from the Democrats' progressive base as she seeks re-election next year.
Mamdani praised Hochul for her focus on tackling affordability.
"I look forward to fighting alongside her to continue her track record of putting money back in New Yorkers’ pockets and building a safer and stronger New York City where no one is forced to leave just so they can afford to raise a family," he said.
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But Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, a top Trump ally who is expected later this year to launch a 2026 run for governor, took aim at Hochul.
"At the exact moment when New Yorkers are looking for strong leadership from their Governor with a majority opposing Zohran Mamdani, Kathy Hochul embraces this raging Communist who will destroy New York making it less affordable and more dangerous - once again putting criminals and communists first, and New Yorkers LAST," Stefanik argued in a statement.
Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in the swing state of New Hampshire. He covers the campaign trail from coast to coast."
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