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Socialist Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani on Monday dodged endorsing Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul for her reelection, despite her recently endorsing his mayoral campaign.

On Sunday evening, Hochul published an op-ed in The New York Times, saying her endorsement came after hearing “a leader who shares my commitment” to New York.” However, according to the Daily News, Mamdani told reporters his focus will remain “on November” when asked if he would endorse Hochul for her 2026 reelection.

“And I’m excited to have the governor’s support in that fight for November as we make it clear that we can put the days of City Hall and Albany being at war in the past.,” Mamdani said, according to the outlet.

Hochul’s endorsement of Mamdani comes months after leaders like House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have yet to officially back the socialist Democrat. In her op-ed, Hochul wrote that while the two had their “disagreements,” she shared his “priorities” on issues like keeping the city safe, affordability and the rise of antisemitism.

“In the past few months, I’ve had frank conversations with him. We’ve had our disagreements. But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family. I heard a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable — a goal I enthusiastically support,” Hochul wrote.

“I didn’t leave my conversations with Mr. Mamdani aligned with him on every issue,” Hochul added. “But I am confident that he has the courage, urgency and optimism New York City needs to lead it through the challenges of this moment.”

If elected in November, Mamdani said he plans to implement policies like raising the minimum wage to $30, launching government-run grocery stores and taxing “richer and whiter” neighborhoods. While Republicans have raised concerns over the proposals, reports have circulated that some business owners in the city are considering whether to flee if Mamdani takes office.

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Since securing his nomination, Mamdani has received call-outs from both Democrats and Republicans over his potential plans for the city, along with his previous anti-police statements and refusal to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada.”

In July, Mamdani sidestepped a reporter who asked if he regretted making several anti-police statements in 2020 and repeatedly called for the NYPD to be defunded following the death of George Floyd. Mamdani said the statements were made “amidst a frustration” due to Floyd’s death and that “they need not choose between the two.”

During an interview ahead of New York City’s election day, Mamdani came under fire after appearing on “The Bulwark” and refusing to denounce the phrases “globalize the intifada” and “From the river to the sea” when host Tim Miller asked if they made him uncomfortable. Mamdani told Welker on Sunday that while it isn’t the “language” he uses, his beliefs are grounded in “universal human rights.”

Mamdani said on Sept. 7 that he will now “discourage” the use of the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which comes after meeting with Jewish leaders and others in the New York City community, according to Fox News.

Hochul’s office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.  

(Featured Image Media Credit: Bingjiefu He / Wikimedia Commons)

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