New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Backs Zohran Mamdani in NYC Race/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ New York Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor, calling him a leader committed to affordability and public safety. The endorsement signals Democratic unity despite divisions within the party. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, now leads the polls ahead of November’s general election.
Hochul Endorses Mamdani: Quick Looks
- Major Endorsement: Gov. Kathy Hochul backs Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayor.
- Shared Priorities: Both emphasize affordability and safer neighborhoods.
- Party Divisions: Endorsement highlights Democratic efforts to unify after internal rifts.
- Mamdani’s Response: Candidate thanks Hochul, pledges to continue affordability agenda.
- Other Candidates: Cuomo, Adams, and Sliwa increase attacks as election nears.
- Police Funding: Hochul says Mamdani committed to supporting NYPD resources.
- High-Profile Holdouts: Schumer and Jeffries have not endorsed Mamdani.
- Republican Criticism: Elise Stefanik blasts Hochul for “moving left.”
- Election Context: Mamdani defeated Cuomo in Democratic primary; Cuomo and Adams now independents.
- Hochul’s History: Former Cuomo lieutenant who became governor in 2021.
Deep Look: Hochul Endorses Mamdani in Pivotal New York City Mayoral Race
NEW YORK (AP) — In a move that could reshape the dynamics of New York City’s mayoral race, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday formally endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee and democratic socialist who has quickly risen to the forefront of the contest.
Hochul’s backing gives Mamdani one of his most prominent endorsements yet, potentially consolidating Democratic support behind him as he faces sharp criticism from opponents and skepticism from parts of his own party.
Hochul’s Message: Affordability and Safety
In an opinion piece published in The New York Times, Hochul explained her decision to back Mamdani, noting that while they differ on some policies, they share a core commitment to tackling affordability and ensuring safe communities.
“But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family,” Hochul wrote. “I heard a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable — a goal I enthusiastically support.”
Hochul also highlighted Mamdani’s pledge to ensure the New York Police Department has the resources and leadership needed to keep streets and subways secure, an issue central to her own administration.
Mamdani Welcomes the Endorsement
“Governor Hochul has made affordability the centerpiece of her work. I look forward to fighting alongside her to continue her track record of putting money back in New Yorkers’ pockets and building a safer and stronger New York City,” Mamdani said in a Sunday evening statement.
He praised Hochul for both her endorsement and her leadership on issues ranging from child care access to confronting President Trump’s administration. “I’m grateful to the Governor for her support in unifying our party,” Mamdani added.
A Divided Democratic Party
Mamdani’s rapid ascent has revealed deep divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly as it works to recover politically under President Donald Trump’s administration. His left-leaning platform has drawn skepticism from party moderates, though Hochul’s endorsement suggests that key Democratic figures are beginning to coalesce around him.
Still, notable figures such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have yet to offer their support.
Opposition Intensifies
The other major candidates—former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, current Mayor Eric Adams, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa—have stepped up their attacks on Mamdani in recent weeks. They argue that his policies would destabilize New York, particularly on policing, housing, and economic growth.
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, a member of House leadership, sharply criticized Hochul’s endorsement, calling Mamdani “a raging Communist who will destroy New York making it less affordable and more dangerous.”
Election Landscape: An Unusual Field
Mamdani’s path to the nomination included a decisive victory over Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Cuomo has since relaunched his candidacy as an independent. Adams, who chose to skip the Democratic primary, is also running as an independent, leaving the general election with three well-known candidates vying against Mamdani.
Sliwa, a perennial candidate and founder of the Guardian Angels, secured the Republican nomination unopposed.
Hochul’s Political Context
Hochul’s endorsement is significant in part because of her personal history. Once Andrew Cuomo’s lieutenant governor, she became governor after Cuomo’s resignation in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations. Her break from her former boss now underscores the shifting dynamics in New York politics, as she places her weight behind the candidate who defeated him in the Democratic primary.
Looking Ahead
With less than two months until the November general election, Mamdani leads in polls but faces a crowded field and mounting criticism. Hochul’s endorsement offers him a boost at a critical moment, potentially signaling greater unity within the Democratic Party as it braces for a contentious battle over the future of America’s largest city.
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