Mamdani Endorses Hochul for Re-election, Praising ‘Model’ Partnership

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Endorses Gov. Kathy Hochul Ahead of Re-Election Fight

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul for re-election, solidifying an alliance that once appeared politically unlikely and strengthening Hochul’s position ahead of the Democratic nominating convention in Syracuse.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist, praised the governor on Thursday, calling their partnership a “model” for cooperation between different wings of the Democratic Party as they confront former President Donald Trump and rising living costs across the state.

The endorsement, long expected, delivers a boost of progressive energy to Hochul’s campaign and undercuts the primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who is running to Hochul’s left in June’s Democratic primary. Delgado has attempted to position himself as the more populist alternative, adopting elements of Mamdani’s economic message.

In an essay published by The Nation, Mamdani acknowledged sharp policy differences with Hochul, particularly over taxing the wealthy, but said he had come to trust her leadership and willingness to pursue meaningful reforms.

“For too long, our politics has been defined by big promises, bitter fights, and little tangible progress,” Mamdani wrote, adding that their collaboration had already produced results.

Mamdani cited Hochul’s resistance to Trump-era policies and her agreement to commit billions in state funding toward universal, government-funded child care — a central promise of his mayoral campaign.

Hochul welcomed the endorsement, thanking Mamdani for his partnership and emphasizing their shared opposition to Trump’s policies.

“I’m grateful for his partnership in finally bringing universal child care to New York,” Hochul said in a statement. “And I know he’ll stand strong alongside me as we fight against Donald Trump’s attacks on this state.”

The relationship marks a notable shift from just a year ago, when Mamdani, then a state legislator, was a vocal critic of Hochul. After Mamdani won the Democratic mayoral primary last year, however, the two began working closely, culminating in Hochul’s endorsement of him during his campaign against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

That decision came with political risks for Hochul, drawing criticism from some business leaders and Jewish groups who opposed Mamdani’s views on Israel and his democratic socialist platform. Tensions have also surfaced over Mamdani’s continued push for major tax increases, which Hochul has resisted.

Despite those disagreements, both leaders appear to see more benefit in cooperation than conflict. Mamdani’s popularity — bolstered by strong approval ratings among progressives and New York City voters — could help energize Hochul’s base and blunt Delgado’s appeal.

At the same time, the endorsement may provide ammunition for Republicans. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, expected to be Hochul’s general election opponent, has signaled he will seek to link the governor more closely to Mamdani’s left-leaning agenda.

Republican Party officials quickly criticized the endorsement, accusing Hochul of embracing “radical” policies in exchange for political support.

As the race moves forward, the Hochul-Mamdani alliance is poised to reshape both the Democratic primary and the broader political landscape in New York.