Mayor Mamdani Backs Governor Hochul for 2026 Re-Election Bid

By Y.M. Lowy

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that he is endorsing Gov. Kathy Hochul for reelection in 2026, giving her a public show of support even as the two have disagreed on several policy issues.

Mamdani shared the endorsement and pointed to what he described as a stronger working relationship between City Hall and Albany and recent joint efforts, including expanded universal childcare. He wrote that while he and Hochul do not see eye to eye on everything (especially on taxing the wealthiest New Yorkers) he believes she has chosen a direction focused on large-scale change and practical results.

He credited state funding backed by Hochul for helping move universal childcare forward sooner than expected, calling it one of the key early achievements of their cooperation.

Hochul responded by saying she is grateful for the partnership and support. She and her running mate, Adrienne Adams, are expected to receive the Democratic nomination at the upcoming state convention.

The governor is also facing a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, though recent polling has shown her with a strong lead. She also picked up an endorsement this week from New York Attorney General Letitia James, adding more weight behind her reelection campaign.