Hochul Endorses Mamdani, Pressures Schumer and Jeffries to Act

New York Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani on March 10, 2024, a significant endorsement that may influence other key political figures to publicly support Mamdani as he prepares for a competitive general election. Despite this endorsement, as of March 11, neither Chuck Schumer, the U.S. Senate Democratic Minority Leader, nor Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader, have committed to backing Mamdani.

According to a statement from Angelo Roefaro, Schumer’s spokesperson, the senator recently met with Mamdani in New York City but is yet to express an immediate endorsement. “Chuck and Zohran recently met in NYC,” Roefaro remarked. “They had a good meeting. They know each other well, and they’re going to keep talking.” A spokesperson for Jeffries also did not provide comments regarding his stance after several meetings with Mamdani over the summer.

Hochul’s endorsement, unveiled in a surprise op-ed in The New York Times, follows a period of deliberation and discussions with Mamdani after his unexpected victory in the Democratic primary held in June 2023. Her support marks a pivotal endorsement from New York’s Democratic Party leader, indicating that Mamdani is gaining traction within the party establishment.

In her op-ed, Hochul emphasized their shared focus on affordability, a critical issue for New Yorkers. “Affordability has long been my top priority as governor, and it is the No. 1 concern I share with Mr. Mamdani,” she stated. Furthermore, she expressed a united front against what she termed the “abhorrent and destructive policies” of former President Donald Trump. Hochul stated, “Mr. Mamdani and I will both be fearless in confronting the president’s extreme agenda.”

The governor’s remarks also hinted at political tensions within the party, particularly regarding former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo, who is polling second in the mayoral race, has reportedly discussed the election with Trump. Hochul noted that anyone accepting Trump’s influence could be “compromised from the start,” an implication directed at Cuomo and sitting Mayor Eric Adams.

While Hochul’s endorsement provides a boost, she acknowledged several policy disagreements with Mamdani that could complicate their potential partnership. For instance, Mamdani’s plans to raise taxes on the wealthy to fund initiatives like free public transportation and universal child care would require the approval of Hochul and the state legislature. Hochul has expressed no intention to increase taxes, which may create friction between the two should Mamdani win the mayoral race.

Despite these differences, Hochul expressed confidence in Mamdani’s commitment to combating antisemitism, citing their discussions on the issue. “I’ve been glad to see him meet with Jewish leaders across the city, listening and addressing their concerns directly,” she stated. This cooperation extends a commitment to ensuring that New Yorkers of all faiths feel safe and welcomed in the city.

Hochul’s alignment with Mamdani could also have ramifications for her own reelection campaign next year. Opponents, including likely challenger Elise Stefanik, have already criticized her for endorsing what they term “communist” policies. Trump, who has maintained a generally cooperative relationship with Hochul, also criticized her endorsement, labeling Mamdani as the “Liddle’ Communist” on his social media platform, Truth Social.

With the mayoral election approaching, the dynamics within New York’s Democratic establishment are shifting, and Hochul’s endorsement of Mamdani may serve as a catalyst for further endorsements or hesitations from other prominent party figures. As the race develops, the positions of Schumer and Jeffries will likely become clearer in the coming weeks, shaping the future of New York City’s political landscape.