New York
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is soon expected to endorse New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, according to two sources with knowledge of her decision.
Hochul’s endorsement would make her the latest high-profile Democrat and the most powerful in the state to back the 33-year-old democratic socialist’s campaign. It would also put new pressure on other high-profile Democrats withholding their backing of Mamdani, notably House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, both Brooklyn residents.
The governor’s endorsement would mark a break from more than two months of cautious distance. She initially refused to endorse Mamdani after he shocked former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary in June.
A spokesperson for Hochul did not return a request for comment.
Mamdani’s campaign is focused on affordability and progressive agenda items such as free city buses, government-run grocery stores and taxing the city’s wealthiest residents.
Following the primary, Hochul specifically cited concerns about Mamdani’s proposal to tax the wealthy, saying she believed it would encourage people to leave the state. Tax increases have to be passed by the state legislature and signed into law by the governor.
Hochul’s endorsement is likely to carry significant political implications for both her and Mamdani. It could help bridge the gap between Mamdani’s left-wing support and the Democratic establishment, including some who view Mamdani with skepticism due to his association with democratic socialism and his criticisms of Israel. It could also shore up Hochul’s standing with progressives ahead of her own reelection campaign next year.
A spokesperson for the Mamdani campaign declined to comment.