New York Gov. Kathy Hochul formally endorsed Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani on Sunday, calling him a leader focused on affordability despite their sharp disagreements.
Hochul’s op-ed in The New York Times makes her the highest-ranking Democrat in the state to back Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist who defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the June primary.
Mamdani’s platform includes free city buses, government-run grocery stores, and higher taxes on wealthy residents. Hochul has voiced skepticism about those proposals, warning that tax hikes could drive residents out of New York. Her endorsement did not mention his tax plan but highlighted discussions on antisemitism and public safety.
New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers.
— Kathy Hochul (@KathyHochul) September 14, 2025
That’s @ZohranKMamdani. https://t.co/i9I0OzDdXJ
The move could unify Democrats ahead of the general election, where Mamdani faces incumbent Eric Adams, now running as an independent. President Donald Trump has criticized Mamdani as a “communist” and urged opposition consolidation against him.
