Governor Kathy Hochul speaks after a roundtable on her plan to ban cell phones in schools hosted by Middletown High School on August 11, 2025.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has entered the city’s mayoral contest in a big way, formally endorsing Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. The governor made her move by publishing an op-ed in The New York Times. At just 33 years old, Mamdani is a democratic socialist with ambitious plans for affordability and city services. Hochul’s backing gives him the most powerful supporter in the state and sends a signal to other Democrats who have remained on the sidelines.
A Break From Months of Silence
Jun 12, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY), center, answers questions as she and Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) and Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL), left, testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform during a hearing on state immigration enforcement policy in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY
Until now, Hochul had avoided endorsing Mamdani. After his upset primary win over former governor Andrew Cuomo in June, she kept her distance, citing concerns about his tax-the-rich proposals. But in recent weeks, Hochul and Mamdani held direct conversations. While disagreements remained, Hochul said she came away hearing “a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable — a goal I enthusiastically support.” The endorsement was a clear pivot, moving from cautious neutrality to active support.
Bridging Party Divides
New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul photographed in Manhattan May 29, 2025.
Hochul’s endorsement is more than symbolic. It helps bridge the gap between Mamdani’s base on the left and skeptical Democrats at the center of the party. Figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both Brooklyn residents, have yet to weigh in. With Hochul now behind him, pressure grows on other leaders to declare where they stand. The governor also noted she had watched Mamdani meet with Jewish leaders, listen to their concerns, and signal a willingness to lead with inclusivity.
Affordability at the Center
New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul meeting with USA TODAY Network reporters and editors in Manhattan May 29, 2025.
Both Hochul and Mamdani framed affordability as their shared priority. Mamdani’s campaign has proposed free city buses, government-run grocery stores, and higher taxes on the wealthy to fund public services. Hochul, while wary of tax hikes, has emphasized lowering costs for families through state-level policies like tax cuts and free school meals.
A Swipe at Trump and Adams
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul addresses the crowd at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, NY on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
In her endorsement, Hochul blasted both former governor Andrew Cuomo and current mayor Eric Adams — who is running as an independent — for what she described as ties to Donald Trump. “Anyone who accepts his tainted influence, or benefits from it, is compromised from the start,” she wrote. Her comments drew a quick rebuke from Trump on Truth Social, where he labeled Mamdani a “communist” and threatened to scrutinize federal funding for New York.
Mamdani Welcomes the Backing
Zohran Mamdani works the crowd at the 2025 NYC Pride March on June 29 in New York City.
For Mamdani, Hochul’s support is a true breakthrough. In a statement, he thanked the governor for “her support in unifying our party.” He also echoed her emphasis on affordability, saying, “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.” For a candidate once dismissed as too radical to win establishment support, the endorsement is a validation — and a new source of momentum heading into November.
