New York Governor Kathy Hochul has officially endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, in a guest essay published in The New York Times Opinion section on March 15, 2024. This endorsement represents a significant political shift as Democratic leaders, previously hesitant about Mamdani’s progressive platform, begin to rally around him in anticipation of the upcoming election in November.
Hochul and Mamdani, despite both being Democrats, come from contrasting factions within the party. Hochul, a moderate, has publicly supported capitalism, pledged not to raise taxes, and expressed support for Israel. In stark contrast, Mamdani identifies as a democratic socialist advocating for increased taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and has been vocal in his criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The two leaders also have distinct personal backgrounds. Hochul, 67, hails from Buffalo and has steadily advanced through the political ranks. Mamdani, 33, was born in Uganda, raised in Manhattan, and made headlines with his recent victory in the Democratic primary in June.
In her essay, Hochul noted that while she and Mamdani have had their differences, their discussions revealed a shared commitment to improving opportunities for all New Yorkers. “I heard a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable — a goal I enthusiastically support,” she stated.
Mamdani expressed gratitude for Hochul’s endorsement, highlighting her focus on affordability as central to her political agenda. “There’s so much work left to do, and our movement is only growing stronger,” he added.
The affordability crisis in New York is a priority for both leaders, and their alliance could prove beneficial. Hochul is preparing for her reelection campaign next year and faces a challenge from her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. If Mamdani wins the mayoral race, he may help bolster Hochul’s left flank, although his presence could also complicate her position in a general election against Republican Elise Stefanik, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump.
Stefanik reacted to Hochul’s endorsement by asserting that the governor must now be accountable for Mamdani’s more radical proposals, including his previous calls to defund the police. “As I always said, it was only a matter of time before the worst governor in America, Kathy Hochul, would bend the knee to the communist antisemite Zohran Mamdani,” she stated. Mamdani, while identifying as a democratic socialist, has refuted claims of antisemitism and emphasized his commitment to protecting Jewish communities in New York.
Currently, Mamdani enjoys a lead in the polls, but significant figures within the Democratic Party, such as Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, have yet to endorse him. His opponents, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo running as an independent and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, argue that Mamdani’s progressive stance may alienate moderate voters.
Hochul’s endorsement could signal to establishment Democrats that Mamdani is a candidate they can collaborate with. Should Mamdani win, he will need support from the governor to implement his ambitious policies, which include proposals for free public transportation and universal childcare.
There is also a complicated history between Hochul and Cuomo, who appointed her as his lieutenant governor in 2014. Hochul ascended to the governorship after Cuomo resigned in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment, which he has denied. Hochul has publicly condemned Cuomo’s behavior, referring to it as “repulsive.” Despite their shared party affiliation, Hochul’s endorsement of Mamdani poses a challenge to her more moderate political opponents and could create tension with donors in the real estate and finance sectors, who view Mamdani’s platform as a threat to their interests.
Mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an independent candidate and is currently polling in fourth place, has been contemplating his next steps in the race. Rumors have circulated that close associates of Trump discussed appointing him as an ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Trump has expressed a desire to thwart Mamdani’s campaign and indicated that he would prefer to see Cuomo as his opponent in a head-to-head race.
Hochul recently stated that Trump should refrain from interfering in the mayoral race, asserting, “Contrary to what the president thinks, he’s not a king, he’s not a kingmaker, and he should not be anointing the next mayor of New York City.” In her essay, she emphasized their shared opposition to Trump’s policies, particularly those affecting the city’s vulnerable populations, such as cuts to Medicaid and food assistance. “Zohran Mamdani and I will both be fearless in confronting the president’s extreme agenda — with urgency, conviction and the defiance that defines New York,” she wrote, adding that anyone who accepts Trump’s influence is “compromised from the start.”
Republican State Chair Edward F. Cox criticized Hochul’s endorsement, labeling Mamdani as “an avowed communist” and claiming that New Yorkers were fleeing the state due to Hochul’s policies. In response, Sliwa’s campaign remarked that Hochul and Mamdani “deserve each other,” framing the endorsement as indicative of a deeper ideological alignment.
As the election draws closer, the dynamics between these key political figures will continue to evolve, shaping the future of New York City.
