New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a prominent progressive, endorsed Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul for re-election, praising her defense of social programs and infrastructure funding while acknowledging policy differences on taxing the wealthy. Mamdani framed the endorsement around transformational leadership and a willingness to negotiate for results. The move may blunt a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who recently named India Walton as his running mate. Hochul has also selected Adrienne Adams as her running mate, forming an historic all-female ticket, and leads Delgado by 53 points in a recent Siena University poll.
Socialist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Endorses Gov. Kathy Hochul — A Potential Turning Point In The NY Governor Race
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, left, who is running for re-election, was endorsed on Thursday by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.(Getty Images)
Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul received a notable endorsement from the left of her party when New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced his support for her re-election on Thursday. Mamdani — who identifies as a socialist and leads the nation’s largest city — framed the endorsement as an acknowledgement of Hochul’s willingness to work across differences to deliver tangible results.
In a piece for The Nation, Mamdani praised Hochul’s defense of the social safety net and her efforts to secure funding for critical infrastructure projects amid what he described as threats from Washington. He wrote that he trusts her as “someone willing to engage in an honest dialogue that leads to results.”
“New Yorkers deserve leaders who believe in transformation. Leaders who understand that hope is inspired by a vision, and sustained by change. Governor Kathy Hochul has earned my endorsement because she has chosen to govern in that spirit. And in this moment, that choice matters,” Mamdani wrote.
At the same time, Mamdani was explicit about policy differences, particularly on taxation. He reiterated his long-standing position that the wealthiest New Yorkers should shoulder a greater share of the tax burden to address widening income inequality: “The Governor and I do not agree on everything… I continue to believe that the wealthiest among us can afford to pay just a little bit more.”
New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado is challenging his boss, Gov. Kathy Hochul, in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Hochul welcomed the endorsement and emphasized shared priorities, including affordability and healthcare. In her statement she praised Mamdani’s partnership on expanding child care and said they would stand together against what she described as attacks from former President Donald Trump on the state.
Political Context And Primary Dynamics
The endorsement arrives as Hochul faces a longshot primary challenge from within her party by Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. Delgado recently named India Walton — a former Buffalo mayoral candidate and member of the Democratic Socialists of America who has faced legal and financial controversies — as his running mate, a move intended to strengthen his appeal among progressive voters.
Observers say Mamdani’s backing of Hochul could blunt any momentum Delgado hoped to gain from Walton’s addition. A Siena University poll released this week shows Hochul holding a commanding 53-point lead over Delgado in the Democratic primary.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, seen celebrating his 2025 re-election victory, is the all-but-certain 2026 Republican gubernatorial nominee in New York State.
Running Mates, Historic Ticket And General Election Outlook
Hochul also announced Adrienne Adams, who served as New York City Council speaker from 2022 to 2025, as her running mate. The ticket is the first all-female major-party gubernatorial ticket in New York State history; if elected, Adams would become the state’s first Black lieutenant governor.
On the Republican side, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is widely expected to be the GOP nominee after receiving former President Donald Trump’s endorsement in December following Representative Elise Stefanik’s withdrawal. Recent polls in the 2026 race show Hochul maintaining a wide, double-digit lead over Blakeman.
Background
Hochul first became governor in August 2021 when then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned amid scandal, making her New York’s first female governor. She won a full four-year term in 2022, defeating then-Rep. Lee Zeldin by just over six points. Support from prominent progressive leaders like Mamdani could help solidify her coalition heading into the 2026 election cycle.
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