New York Governor Kathy Hochul endorses Zohran Mamdani for mayor ahead of November election

New York Governor Kathy Hochul just threw her weight behind Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. In a big boost ahead of the November election, Hochul called him a leader who’s all about making the city safer and more affordable for everyone.

Writing in The New York Times on Sunday, Hochul shared how her chats with Mamdani convinced her. “I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where kids can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and opportunity is within reach for every family,” she said. She added that she’s excited about his push to tackle the city’s high living costs, a top priority for many New Yorkers.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old progressive firebrand, clinched the Democratic primary in May with a strong 56.4% of the votes. He beat out former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who’s now running as an independent and staying in the race despite the loss. Cuomo’s pro-Israel stance and ties to defending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have sparked debates about rifts in the Democratic Party.

Polls are looking good for Mamdani. A recent Quinnipiac University survey shows him leading with 45% among likely voters, a solid 22-point edge over Cuomo’s 23%. Republican Curtis Sliwa is at 15%, while current Mayor Eric Adams, running independently, trails at 12%.

Not everyone in the Democratic camp is on board yet. Big names like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Congressman Ritchie Torres haven’t endorsed Mamdani. Hochul was more reserved before, but her support marks a key shift. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen called out the delays, urging Democrats in Iowa to “get behind him now” and ditch the “spineless politics” voters are fed up with.

Mamdani has rallied with heavyweights like independent Senator Bernie Sanders and progressives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pramila Jayapal. Still, he’s getting fewer nods from centrist Democrats. In response to Hochul’s endorsement, Mamdani thanked her on social media, saying it helps “unify our party.” He praised her focus on affordability and her tough stand against Donald Trump.

Speaking of Trump, the former president chimed in on Fox & Friends, calling Mamdani’s poll lead a “rebellion” against weak candidates. “They’re tired of it,” Trump said, even dubbing him “my little communist mayor.” He shrugged off the numbers but admitted it looks like Mamdani could win. Trump also dismissed Sliwa as “not exactly prime time” and shot down rumors of offering Adams an ambassadorship, calling him a “very nice person.”

Mamdani hasn’t held back on Adams, labeling him a “puppet of Trump” after their meetings. As the New York City mayor race heats up, Mamdani’s momentum on affordability, safety, and progressive policies could shape the city’s future. With divisions in the Democratic Party and Trump’s sharp words, all eyes are on how endorsements play out before election day.


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