Gov. Kathy Hochul’s endorsement of socialist mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani is sparking backlash across New York, with critics saying she got little in return besides appeasing the far-left wing of her party.
The Sunday announcement appeared aimed at consolidating progressive support as Hochul braces for a primary challenge from her estranged lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. One Democratic operative described the move as “a calculated political risk,” adding, “Delgado is gaining ground on her and they want to neutralize him.”
Yet the endorsement left many business leaders blindsided. Three prominent officials said they received no warning from Hochul’s camp, with one noting the community was “scratching its head” since the governor has long been seen as a business ally. Some business owners are now reportedly reconsidering donations.
Hochul and Mamdani diverge sharply on key issues. Mamdani supports a “tax the rich” plan requiring state approval, has backed the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, and previously called the NYPD “racist.” Hochul, meanwhile, has pledged to block the tax plan, renewed an executive order banning state contracts with BDS-linked groups, and called on Mamdani to apologize for his anti-police remarks.
Despite those differences, Hochul insisted she found “common ground” with Mamdani on affordability and antisemitism, while praising him as “very smart.” She said her final calculation came from resisting “the president, who should be more concerned about dealing with the bad actors on the global stage, and let us handle our local elections here in New York and elsewhere.”
Republicans quickly seized on the endorsement. Rep. Elise Stefanik blasted Hochul, saying she is “desperately shoring up her Far Left Democrat flank, and choosing to destroy New York for hardworking families.”
As one insider put it, “She held her nose on the endorsement.”
