Mamdani Won’t Endorse Hochul’s Reelection Now Despite Her Endorsing Him

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.