In a New York Times opinion piece, Hochul emphasized the importance of collaboration between her office and the mayor for the benefit of the 8.3 million residents they represent and expressed her support for Mamdani.
Hochul also mentioned in a post on X that New York City needs a mayor who can stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers, endorsing Zohran Mamdani for the role.
Mamdani welcomed the endorsement and expressed gratitude for the governor’s resolve and focus on affordability, stating that the movement is growing stronger together.
The endorsement indicates that centrist Democrats may be willing to back Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary in June with progressive promises and a strong social media presence.
Although the governor had previously hesitated to endorse any mayoral candidate, it appears that recent meetings with Mamdani have changed her stance.
Mamdani’s victory has inspired thousands of progressives to consider running for office and has earned him endorsements from prominent progressive Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
However, some senior Democrats, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, have yet to endorse anyone for the mayoral race.
Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader from New York, remains undecided as well, given Mamdani’s critical views on Israel’s actions in Gaza.
