NEW YORK, Sep 14, 2025 – In a stunning development, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has thrown her support behind Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, marking a significant shift in the city’s mayoral race. The endorsement, announced late Sunday via a guest essay in The New York Times Opinion section, highlights Hochul’s alignment with Mamdani’s vision for a safer, more affordable New York, despite past disagreements.
Hochul’s decision comes as Mamdani’s campaign gains momentum, fueled by a recent POLITICO poll showing him leading former Governor Andrew Cuomo 44% to 36% among first-place votes. The endorsement intensifies pressure on prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who have yet to back the progressive candidate. A CNN report released Monday morning confirmed Hochul’s strategic pivot, signaling a potential realignment within the party.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist and New York State Assemblymember, has championed bold policies, including a proposed $30 minimum wage by 2030 and a freeze on rent-stabilized apartments. His campaign has also drawn attention for its focus on building affordable housing and expanding city-owned grocery stores to lower living costs. However, his progressive stance has sparked controversy, particularly over past criticisms of Israel, igniting debates within New York’s diverse political landscape.
The race has taken on a national dimension with President Donald Trump endorsing Cuomo, whom he has praised as a stabilizing force. Trump has labeled Mamdani a “communist” during recent rallies, a charge Mamdani denies, emphasizing his commitment to protecting Jewish New Yorkers and combating antisemitism. Hochul’s support for Mamdani underscores her opposition to Trump’s policies, including cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, which she and Mamdani vow to resist with “urgency and defiance.”
As the November election approaches, Hochul’s endorsement could prove pivotal, though it risks alienating some party moderates. The move is seen by analysts as a calculated effort to harness Mamdani’s growing popularity among progressive voters, potentially reshaping the Democratic strategy in this closely watched contest.