Albany endorsements bolster Mamdani as NYC mayor race nears

Zohran Mamdani, the 33 year old Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, has consolidated key endorsements from Albany power brokers this week even as divisions within the Democratic Party and intense opposition from wealthy donors signal a bruising general election to come. Gov. Kathy Hochul publicly backed Mamdani over the weekend, and in the days since the mayoral front runner added support from state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The endorsements come as early voting approaches and the Nov. 5 general election draws near.

Campaign officials said Stewart Cousins will join Mamdani at a campaign rally Friday in Albany, a symbolic development for a candidate whose agenda depends heavily on cooperation with state government. Stewart Cousins said in a campaign statement that Mamdani has a "bold vision" and the leadership to deliver a more affordable, just and hopeful future. Campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec described the trio of endorsements as a "key trifecta" for advancing proposals that would require state action, including free city buses, universal child care and new taxes on the very wealthy.