Mayor Mamdani Endorses Governor Hochul For Reelection
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Source: Office of the NYC Mayor CC BY 4.0
Mayor Mamdani Endorses Governor Hochul
In a move that has sent shockwaves through New York’s political landscape, New York City’s first democratic socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, officially endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul for reelection on February 5, 2026. The endorsement, penned in an op-ed for The Nation, marks a definitive alliance between the city’s insurgent progressive leadership and the state’s centrist establishment.
For New Yorkers, this partnership represents a rare ceasefire in the historically combative relationship between City Hall and Albany.
Mamdani’s endorsement is rooted in what he calls a "results-driven partnership." Just weeks into his mayoral term, Mamdani and Hochul announced a historic $1 billion state investment to launch universal child care in the city—a cornerstone of Mamdani’s campaign platform.
"I have come to trust Governor Hochul as someone willing to engage in an honest dialogue that leads to results. We must be able to disagree honestly while still delivering for the people we serve."
The Mayor highlighted their joint efforts to protect New Yorkers from federal immigration enforcement (ICE) and their shared commitment to shielding the state’s social safety net from budget cuts proposed in Washington.
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A "Big Tent" Under Pressure
The alliance is not without its friction. Mamdani was candid about their "real differences," particularly regarding his push to increase taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers—a policy Hochul has consistently resisted.
This ideological gap has caused a rift within Mamdani’s own political base. Several fellow democratic socialists in the State Legislature have expressed disappointment, with State Senator Jabari Brisport instead backing Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who is challenging Hochul from the left. Critics argue that by endorsing Hochul, Mamdani is granting "progressive cover" to a moderate governor.
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The 2026 Calculus
The endorsement provides Hochul with a critical firewall against a primary challenge. By securing the support of the man who defeated the Democratic establishment to become mayor, Hochul effectively blunts Delgado’s attempts to frame her as out of touch with the party's progressive wing.
For Mamdani, the move is a pragmatic gamble. To deliver on his ambitious "Transformation" agenda, he needs the Governor’s signature on state legislation. By backing Hochul early, he ensures that City Hall has a seat at the table in Albany for the next four years.
