Governor’s Surprise Backing
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has formally endorsed Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in the race for New York City mayor, giving the progressive candidate a significant boost ahead of the November 4 election.
Writing in a New York Times opinion piece, Hochul said the city needs a mayor “who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable.” She praised Mamdani’s affordability agenda and said her administration would work closely with him if elected.
On social media, Hochul reinforced her support, posting: “New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers. That’s @ZohranKMamdani.”
Mamdani Welcomes Support
Mamdani, 33, thanked the governor for uniting Democrats behind his campaign. “Our movement is only growing stronger,” he wrote on X, highlighting shared priorities such as lowering costs for New Yorkers and pushing back against Trump’s policies.
Mamdani shook the Democratic establishment earlier this year when he defeated Andrew Cuomo in the party primary, running on promises of freezing rents, introducing a $30 minimum wage, and taxing the wealthiest New Yorkers. He currently leads polls against Cuomo, who is running as an independent, incumbent mayor Eric Adams, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
Trump Strikes Back
US President Donald Trump blasted Hochul’s endorsement, branding Mamdani a “Liddle’ Communist” in a social media post. “This is a rather shocking development, and a very bad one for New York City. Washington will be watching this situation very closely,” Trump wrote.
The president’s criticism comes as Mamdani gains momentum with backing from progressive leaders such as Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Chris van Hollen.
Divisions Inside the Democratic Party
While Hochul’s endorsement marks a breakthrough for Mamdani, some senior Democrats remain cautious. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have yet to back a candidate. Schumer’s position is particularly sensitive given Mamdani’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and his controversial pledge to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under an International Criminal Court warrant if he visits New York.
A Race Redefining New York Politics
Mamdani’s insurgent campaign has mobilised thousands of new voters and inspired more than 10,000 progressives to consider running for office. With Hochul now on his side, the Democratic Socialist remains the clear front-runner, reshaping the city’s political landscape and setting up a high-stakes showdown with Trump in the background.
