New York Governor Hochul endorses Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayor

Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday urged New Yorkers to vote Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York city, giving the Democratic nominee one of his most significant endorsements to date in the contest to lead the nation's biggest city, reports AP.

Writing in the New York Times' opinion section, Hochul, a Democrat, said that while she and Mamdani diverged on some issues, they came together on the importance of addressing the affordability crisis in the city and across the state.

"But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family," wrote Hochul.

"I heard a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable — a goal I enthusiastically support."

According to the AP report, the stunning success of Mamdani, a 33-year-old self-described democratic socialist, in the race for New York city mayor has exposed divisions within the Democratic Party as it struggles to repair its brand more than half a year into Donald Trump's presidency.

Hochul's endorsement is the latest sign that Democratic leaders who had been skeptical of Mamdani's liberal views are beginning to consolidate around him.

Mamdani thanked Hochul for the boost, saying it's a sign "our movement is growing stronger."

"Governor Hochul has made affordability the centerpiece of her work. I look forward to fighting alongside her to continue her track record of putting money back in New Yorkers' pockets and building a safer and stronger New York City where no one is forced to leave just so they can afford to raise a family," Mamdani said in a statement Sunday night. "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."

In recent weeks, the other candidates in the race — former Governor Andrew Cuomo, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa — have intensified their criticism of Mamdani over his platform and past statements ahead of the city's general election in November, according to AP.

Hochul said another reason she decided to back Mamdani was his vow that he would make sure the New York Police Department had the resources it needs to keep the city's streets and subways safe.

"I urged him to ensure that there is strong leadership at the helm of the NYPD — and he agreed," Hochul wrote.

Mamdani, who is leading in the polls, has not been endorsed by some prominent Democrats, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, the minority leaders in the US Senate and House.