New York Governor Kathy Hochul Endorses Zohran Mamdani for Mayor Amidst Widespread Support Among Democrats

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed Zohran Mamdani, a pro-Palestinian advocate and Democratic nominee, for mayor ahead of the closely watched November election in the financial capital of the United States. Hochul's endorsement comes after "frank conversations" with Mamdani, who has campaigned for a more equitable allocation of the city's resources and has promised to make buses free and freeze rents for subsidized tenants. Mamdani's primary election victory in May saw him win 56.4 percent of votes among registered Democrats, easily beating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a pro-Israel candidate who has chosen to stay in the race despite the divide within the Democratic Party.

Key Takeaways:

• Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old left-wing politician, has won the endorsement of New York Governor Kathy Hochul for mayor, citing his commitment to making New York City affordable and a leader who shares her commitment to a safe and equal society.
• Mamdani's primary election victory in May saw him win 56.4 percent of votes among registered Democrats, while Cuomo, a pro-Israel candidate, won 11.7 percent of the vote.
• Hochul's endorsement of Mamdani is a significant development in the mayoral election, as it underscores the divide within the Democratic Party on issues such as Israel-Palestine policy and economic inequality.
• Mamdani has received fewer endorsements from centrist Democrats, with prominent figures such as US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres appearing hesitant to back him.
• Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has criticized his Democratic colleagues for failing to endorse Mamdani, accusing them of spineless politics that people are sick of.
• Mamdani has campaigned alongside progressive Democrats such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and has received significant support among New York voters, with a recent poll showing him leading Cuomo by 22 points.

Statistics:

• Zohran Mamdani won 56.4 percent of votes in the Democratic primary election, while Andrew Cuomo won 11.7 percent.
• A Quinnipiac University poll released last week showed Mamdani with 45 percent support among likely voters, and a 22-point lead over his closest rival, Cuomo, who received 23 percent.
• Repeat Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is polling at 15 percent, while embattled incumbent Mayor Eric Adams has just 12 percent support.

Sources:

• "Mamdanis' New York victory boosts pro-Palestine politics in US," Al Jazeera, June 26, 2025
• "Zohran Mamdani set to become Democratic candidate in New York mayoral race," Al Jazeera, June 25, 2025
• "Andrew Cuomo says he will still run for NYC mayor after primary defeat," Al Jazeera, July 14, 2025
• "Trump says Mamdani being 'up by 20' is a rebellion against bad candidates," Al Jazeera, July 17, 2025
• Quinnipiac University poll, September 2025