New York’s Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, has thrown her support behind Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in the race for New York City mayor — a move that cements the Democratic Party’s lurch further left and signals trouble for the city’s already struggling residents.
In a New York Times op-ed, Hochul wrote: “In the four years since I took office, one of my foundational beliefs has been the importance of the office of New York governor working hand in hand with the mayor of New York City for the betterment of the 8.3 million residents we both represent.” She concluded with her endorsement: “The question of who will be the next mayor is one I take extremely seriously and to which I have devoted a great deal of thought. Tonight I am endorsing Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.”
On social media, Hochul doubled down, posting: “New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers. That’s @ZohranKMamdani.”
Mamdani, a 33-year-old self-proclaimed democratic socialist, quickly embraced the backing. “I’m grateful for the Governor’s support in unifying our party, her resolve in standing up to Trump, and her focus on making New York affordable. I look forward to the great work we will accomplish together. Our movement is only growing stronger,” he posted.
Mamdani’s rise has been rapid. In June, he defeated establishment Democrat Andrew Cuomo in the primary with promises straight out of the far-left playbook: a $30 minimum wage, frozen rents, and higher taxes on the wealthy. With help from social media-driven activism and endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mamdani built a new progressive coalition that now has him leading in polls against Cuomo, current mayor Eric Adams, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
Still, Hochul’s decision to endorse Mamdani is telling. For months, she resisted weighing in, admitting there were “areas of difference” between their positions. But facing her own re-election next year, and with pressure from the party’s activist wing, Hochul has decided to align herself with the hard left — a gamble that could alienate moderates and independents.
The endorsement also highlights the widening cracks within New York’s Democratic Party. Heavyweights like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have yet to endorse in the race. Schumer in particular may find it difficult to support Mamdani, who has repeatedly attacked Israel and called the war in Gaza a “genocide.”
Hochul’s embrace of Mamdani signals a troubling shift: New York Democrats appear willing to push the city further toward socialist economics and radical foreign policy views, despite the already staggering cost of living, rising crime, and exodus of families and businesses. For conservatives, it underscores why strong opposition voices are more vital than ever in New York politics.
