Governor Kathy Hochul Endorses Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor
Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) has expressed her support for Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and candidate for mayor of New York City.
In an opinion piece for the New York Times, Hochul revealed her endorsement, describing Mamdani as a leader who shares her vision for a safer New York for children. She emphasized that opportunities for families should be accessible.
Hochul noted that during their discussions, she underscored the importance of police officers having adequate resources to ensure safety in both urban streets and subways. She also mentioned the critical need to combat rising anti-Semitism.
“Tonight, I stand with Congressman Zohran Mamdani,” Hochul stated. “Over the past few months, I’ve had honest conversations with him. While we don’t always agree, it’s clear we both want a New York where children can thrive in their communities and where every family has access to opportunities.”
Her essay continued, elaborating on her shared priorities with Mamdani, particularly regarding the necessary support for the NYPD and strong leadership. “We talked about the alarming rise in anti-Semitism and the urgent need to address it. It’s good to see him engaging with Jewish community leaders to understand their concerns directly. Together, we aim to ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of faith, feel safe and welcome.”
Hochul’s endorsement also reflected her criticism of what she termed the “abominable policies” of the Trump administration.
Some Democrats have raised concerns about Mamdani’s suitability for the role, including NYC Mayor Eric Adams (D), who labeled him a “snake oil salesman.” Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) also voiced similar apprehensions about Mamdani’s approach.
Mamdani has drawn criticism for previous remarks on his podcast where he stated, “The police don’t create safety,” suggesting an alternative approach to handling domestic violence calls. Despite this, he has garnered support from various Democrats, including Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Pat Ryan (D-NY), particularly for his proposal to open an urban-owned grocery store.
