Hochul Backs Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayoral Race After Months of Deliberation
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed Zohran Mamdani in his bid for New York City mayor, bringing her support to the Democratic nominee after a nearly three-month wait. The endorsement comes as Mamdani faces scrutiny from rivals over past statements regarding policing adn Israel.
Mamdani secured the Democratic primary victory through a campaign centered on affordability and the city’s high cost of living. His success was bolstered by a strong grassroots movement and endorsements from prominent progressive figures like Rep. alexandria ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
A key component of Mamdani’s campaign involved utilizing social media platforms,including TikTok,to engage a broader range of voters. His policy proposals include eliminating bus fares, making City University of New York (CUNY) tuition-free, freezing rents on municipal housing, providing free childcare for children under five, and establishing government-run grocery stores.
However, Mamdani has faced criticism for past comments critical of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and his proposals to shift some responsibilities away from the NYPD towards social services and community programs. Governor Hochul initially indicated an apology from Mamdani regarding these comments would be appropriate, and Mamdani recently stated his intention to apologize in an interview with The New york Times.
Hochul emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement in conversations with Mamdani. “I 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,” she stated.
The governor also addressed concerns surrounding Mamdani’s previous remarks about israel, noting she discussed with him “the need to combat the rise of antisemitism urgently and unequivocally” and expressed satisfaction with his meetings with Jewish leaders across the city.
Hochul’s endorsement is expected to benefit Mamdani’s campaign while concurrently strengthening her standing with the Democratic Party’s progressive base as she prepares for her own re-election bid next year.
Mamdani welcomed Hochul’s support, stating he looks “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.”
The endorsement drew criticism from Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who characterized Mamdani as a “raging Communist” and accused Hochul of prioritizing “criminals and communists” over the needs of new Yorkers. Stefanik is widely expected to launch a gubernatorial campaign in 2026.