New York Governor Endorses Zohran Mamdani In Mayoral Race
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City, a key affirmation for the 33-year-old frontrunner whose candidacy hasn't yet been fully embraced by members of his own party.
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Several prominent party figures have shown hesitancy in fully embracing Mamdani's candidacy.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has officially endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, providing crucial support for the 33-year-old frontrunner who has yet to receive comprehensive backing from within his own party.
"I am endorsing Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani," Hochul declared in a Sunday opinion piece published in the New York Times.
"Both Zohran Mamdani and I will stand fearless against the president's extreme agenda - with urgency, conviction, and the characteristic defiance of New York," she stated.
This endorsement represents a significant setback for current Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, both challenging Mamdani - who identifies as a democratic socialist - in the general election as independent candidates. According to Bloomberg reporting, Adams is considering the viability of his campaign as polls consistently place him fourth behind Mamdani, Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani stunned the city's establishment by emerging from relative obscurity to defeat Cuomo in the Democratic primary. His campaign promised comprehensive affordability measures, including rent freezes for millions of New Yorkers, free child care services, and municipally operated grocery stores.
His ambitious platform has created unease among Wall Street and business leaders, particularly his plans to increase corporate and wealth taxes to finance his initiatives. However, any tax or debt increases would require state approval, and Hochul has expressed opposition to raising taxes. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Mamdani, once labeling him a "communist lunatic."
In Sunday's opinion piece, Hochul acknowledged having "disagreements" with Mamdani and emphasized to him the importance of strong leadership at the New York Police Department and ensuring officers receive necessary resources for maintaining public safety. She also discussed the urgent need to address antisemitism.
"I'm thankful for the Governor's support in unifying our party," Mamdani said in a Sunday statement. "I look forward to working alongside her to continue her record of putting money back in New Yorkers' pockets," he added.
Beyond Hochul, Mamdani's candidacy has received lukewarm reception from several prominent party figures. Neither New York's Senate Democrats, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, nor House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, who represents a New York City district, have publicly endorsed him.
"While I didn't leave our conversations aligned on every issue," Hochul wrote, "I am confident he possesses the courage, urgency and optimism New York City needs to navigate the challenges of this moment."
Republican lawmaker Elise Stefanik, who is considering her own gubernatorial campaign in New York, criticized Hochul's decision to endorse Mamdani.
"At precisely the moment when New Yorkers seek strong leadership from their Governor, with a majority opposing Zohran Mamdani, Kathy Hochul embraces this raging Communist who will destroy New York," Stefanik stated.