In a move that could reshape the dynamics of New York City’s mayoral race, Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday, September 14, 2025, formally endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee and self-described democratic socialist, for mayor. Hochul’s endorsement, delivered in a widely read New York Times opinion piece and echoed across her social media channels, arrives after months of speculation, behind-the-scenes conversations, and mounting pressure from both progressive and establishment wings of the Democratic Party.
“Tonight I am endorsing Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani,” Hochul wrote, affirming her support in unusually direct terms. She acknowledged the gravity of her decision: “The question of who will be the next mayor is one I take extremely seriously and to which I have devoted a great deal of thought.” According to Axios, Hochul’s op-ed detailed her “frank conversations” with Mamdani over the past few months, revealing both honest disagreements and shared ambitions for the city’s future.
The endorsement comes at a pivotal moment for Mamdani, who, at 33, would become both the first Muslim and first millennial to lead America’s largest city if elected. His campaign, which surged to victory in the June Democratic primary, has been propelled by a coalition of grassroots supporters and the backing of national progressive figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. His main rivals—incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo—are both running as independents, while Republican Curtis Sliwa lags in the polls.
Hochul’s support carries significant weight, not just symbolically but also in practical terms. As Fox News reported, some of Mamdani’s more ambitious policy proposals—such as fare-free buses, tuition-free CUNY, and expanded childcare—would require state funding or legislative approval. Hochul’s buy-in could prove decisive, though she was careful to note that their alliance would not be without its debates. “Zohran and I don’t see eye to eye on everything, and I don’t expect us to. I will always reserve the right to disagree honestly and to argue passionately,” she wrote in the New York Times. “But I also believe that New York State and New York City are at their best when we stand together against those who attempt to tear us apart.”
Several issues dominated their discussions, according to multiple outlets. Policing was front and center. “I urged him to ensure that there is strong leadership at the helm of the N.Y.P.D. — and he agreed,” Hochul emphasized. She made it clear that public safety and the resources of the NYPD were non-negotiable priorities. Mamdani, who has faced criticism for past comments on policing and proposals to shift some responsibilities away from the NYPD, recently apologized for a 2020 social media post in which he called the department “racist.” This apology, delivered just days before Hochul’s endorsement, was seen by many as a necessary step to unify the party and reassure moderate voters.
Combating antisemitism was another key topic. Hochul highlighted the urgency of addressing the rise in antisemitic incidents, stating, “I’ve been glad to see him meet with Jewish leaders across the city, listening and addressing their concerns directly.” She expressed confidence in Mamdani’s willingness to work with communities of all backgrounds to ensure every New Yorker feels safe and welcome.
Economic issues loomed large as well. Hochul and Mamdani both stressed the need to keep New York affordable—a theme that has been central to Mamdani’s campaign. He has championed policies aimed at reducing the city’s high cost of living, including freezing rents on municipal housing and setting up government-run grocery stores. Hochul, for her part, underscored the importance of attracting businesses and maintaining New York’s status as “the center of the global economy.”
The specter of Donald Trump also featured prominently in Hochul’s endorsement. “We must never allow Mr. Trump to control our city like the king he wants to be,” she wrote, referencing Trump’s vocal support for independent candidate Andrew Cuomo. “I needed to know the next mayor would not be someone who would surrender one inch to President Trump.” This sentiment was echoed in her social media post: “New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers. That’s @ZohranKMamdani.”
Mamdani responded with gratitude and a nod to party unity. “I’m grateful to the Governor for her support in unifying our party—as well as the work she’s done standing up to President Trump, securing free lunch meals for our kids, and expanding access to childcare,” he said in a statement quoted by Axios and Fox News. “There’s so much work left to do, and our movement is only growing stronger.”
The political implications of Hochul’s endorsement are far-reaching. As Fox News pointed out, it increases pressure on other Democratic leaders—most notably Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries—who have so far withheld their endorsements. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland was blunt in his criticism of the party’s hesitation, calling it “spineless politics” and urging New York Democrats to rally behind Mamdani.
Recent polling suggests that Mamdani is the clear frontrunner in the race. Surveys from Quinnipiac University, New York Times/Siena College, Emerson University, and The Hill all show him leading his opponents by double-digit margins. As Fox News reported, Mamdani holds a 22-point lead over Cuomo and the rest of the field, with Republican Sliwa and incumbent Adams trailing further behind. Despite rumors and reports suggesting Adams might drop out, his campaign has categorically denied any such intention, calling such claims “complete bulls---.”
Mamdani’s campaign has thrived on connecting with younger and previously disengaged voters, utilizing platforms like TikTok to spread his message. His grassroots approach, coupled with a focus on affordability and social services, has resonated in a city grappling with housing costs and economic inequality. Yet, his critics, particularly on the right, remain vocal. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, a close Trump ally, lambasted Hochul’s endorsement, claiming, “Kathy Hochul embraces this raging Communist who will destroy New York making it less affordable and more dangerous—once again putting criminals and communists first, and New Yorkers LAST.”
For Hochul, the endorsement is not without risk. While it may help her shore up support among progressives as she looks ahead to her own re-election campaign, it also opens her up to criticism from moderates and conservatives wary of Mamdani’s left-leaning platform. Still, Hochul appears to have calculated that unity—and the prospect of a Democratic victory in November—outweighs the risks.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on how this newly solidified alliance between Hochul and Mamdani shapes the race, influences party unity, and addresses the pressing issues facing New Yorkers. With both leaders promising to “fight like hell” for the city’s future, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown that could redefine the political landscape of New York.
