Hochul endorses Mamdani for NYC mayor, cites affordability and safety

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Sunday that she is endorsing Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race, saying in a New York Times opinion piece that despite their differences she believes he is focused on making the city more affordable and safer. The endorsement formalizes a rapprochement between the moderate governor and the progressive Queens lawmaker and arrives as Mamdani emerges as the leading Democratic candidate ahead of the Nov. 4 general election.

Hochul wrote that affordability is a top priority she shares with Mamdani and that their discussions also addressed public safety and rising antisemitism. "Affordability has long been my top priority as governor, and it is the No. 1 concern I share with Mr. Mamdani," she wrote. She added that she urged him to ensure police have resources to keep streets and subways safe and to provide strong leadership at the N.Y.P.D., and said she has seen him meet with Jewish leaders across the city to hear their concerns.

The endorsement follows a period of initial hesitation from Hochul. Party officials and New York political insiders had circulated reports in recent days that she was expected to back Mamdani, and...