Jay Jacobs Defends Support for Hochul, Rejects Left-Wing Candidate

On Friday, Jay Jacobs, the chairman of the New York Democratic Party, clarified his decision to endorse Governor Kathy Hochul while dismissing support for the party’s leftist mayoral candidate, Zoran Mamdani.

Jacobs expressed a desire to convey that figures like Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez do not represent the entire Democratic Party. He emphasized the importance of inclusion, stating, “We’re a big tent party. We’re not Republicans.” This reflects a concern that the Democratic brand has, perhaps, leaned too far left in recent years.

This statement has further deepened the divide between moderate and progressive factions within the party. While many progressives have reacted with outrage, some moderate Democrats have praised Jacobs for his stance.

In fact, Jacobs reported receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from moderate party members. He mentioned the influx of supportive messages, even as calls for his resignation grew from progressives upset with his disregard for Mamdani, who previously garnered significant support in the Democratic primary.

Jacobs indicated that Hochul surprised him by her endorsement of Mamdani, a move that left him considering his position. Although he did not elaborate on discussions with the governor, he suggested there was no objection from her end. “I’m not reckless, I’m not rude,” he stated.

He also made an attempt to reach out to Mamdani but was directed to voicemail, which, well, that might say something about their current relationship.

For now, Jacobs hasn’t resigned, but the situation appears to be quite fluid.