Kathy Hochul Sidesteps Endorsing Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor
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New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul directly avoided saying whether she will back Democratic mayoral primary winner and assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in the upcoming election for New York City mayor.
Newsweek reached out to Hochul's office via email Thursday for comment.
Why It Matters
On Tuesday night, Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, clinched the first-round vote in the New York City mayoral primary race against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Mamdani landed the backing of Democratic U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and independent U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and was largely unknown when he announced his intent to run, per the Associated Press (AP).
The assemblyman's win could trigger panic buttons for Senators like Chuck Schumer and other Democratic establishment leaders alike, as some pollsters argue that New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed Mamdani, could challenge Schumer's Senate seat.
What To Know
When asked during a news conference Thursday if she will support Mamdani's candidacy and if she will back him, Hochul replied, "You know, the election just completed, I had a chance to call and congratulate him on the Tuesday's primary and look forward to having conversation.
"Obviously, there's areas of difference in our positions," Hochul added, "but I also think we need to have those conversations, but in the meantime, I truly am not focused on the politics. We're six months away from inauguration day, and that'll determine who I'm working with for the next four years. And that's important, and what I'm doing, I'm focusing on affordability, and making New York City safe, and making the state safe. So that's my primary objective right now."
Hochul was then pressed in a follow-up question on whether she is "skeptical" of Mamdani and the will of New York City Democratic primary voters. "No, I don't see how you could possibly conclude that from what I just said," Hochul fired back.
"I said that I'm going to be having conversations, I want to find out you know positions on specific issues, but in the meantime, I'm working closely with Mayor Eric Adams, who is the mayor. Who, we have a lot of work to do to get through you know a crisis right now. We just had a lot of people in our city, you know, under siege with excessive temperatures; we have to keep making sure our subways are safe, building more housing under 'City of Yes,' which we were able to get over the finish line.
The governor added, "So as much as there's a lot of people perhaps even in this room, who are very focused on the politics, I don't have the luxury to do that. I focus on governing and delivering for New Yorkers and working with people that are in government today."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul can be seen speaking during a hearing with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee at the U.S. Capitol on June 12, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by)
New York Governor Kathy Hochul can be seen speaking during a hearing with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee at the U.S. Capitol on June 12, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by)
What People Are Saying
Hochul on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: "Today, voters made their voices heard, demanding a more affordable, more livable New York City. I hear them loud and clear. @ZohranKMamdani built a formidable grassroots coalition, and I look forward to speaking with him in the days ahead about his ideas on how to ensure a safe, affordable, and livable New York City."
Trump on Truth Social on Wednesday: "It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor."
Trump continued: "We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he's got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin' Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!"
Mamdani on X Wednesday: "In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it's done. My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it. I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City."
What Happens Next
The New York City mayoral election will now head to ranked-choice voting, as no candidate received a majority of the vote on Tuesday.
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