Governor Hochul's backing of Zohran Mamdani is as much about shaping her political future as it is about furthering his career.
In a surprising turn of events, Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City Mayor, boosting the Democratic socialist candidate's campaign ahead of the November 4 election.
Mamdani, known for his progressive stance on various issues, currently leads the mayoral race by 22 points over Andrew Cuomo in a four-way race, according to a Quinnipiac University poll. He is ahead on key issues such as crime, affordability, housing, taxes, and even on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, indicating broad support across multiple policy areas. Recent polls, including Emerson College polls, also show Mamdani leading other candidates like Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, and Eric Adams.
Hochul's endorsement could make it easier for Mamdani to enact his campaign agenda if he wins in November. The endorsement decision was made after recent reports about President Donald Trump and his allies' machinations to push Adams and Sliwa out of the race to create a better path for Cuomo. However, Hochul made her decision based on her conversations with Mamdani over the summer about public safety and shared focus on affordability, despite having many policy disagreements.
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a potential challenger to Gov. Hochul, stated that the endorsement proves Hochul is not a moderate. Stefanik, who has been critical of Mamdani's positions on defunding the police, abolishing law enforcement, prisons, and private health care insurance, and decriminalizing sex workers, sees the endorsement as a sign of Hochul's leaning towards the left.
Despite the endorsement, Governor Hochul has enjoyed a good working relationship with New York City Mayor Eric Adams. However, Hochul has had a strained history with former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The endorsement could help Hochul in next year's gubernatorial election, as it signals her commitment to progressive policies and partnership with Mamdani's base.
Ana María Archila, co-leader of the New York Working Families Party, sees the endorsement as a sign that Hochul is interested in partnership and appealing to Mamdani's base. On the other hand, Christina Greer, a political science professor at Fordham University, believes the endorsement helps Hochul more than Mamdani, as it solidifies her progressive credentials ahead of the gubernatorial election.
Mamdani, in response, said he and Hochul would be "working hand in hand to fight for the people." He also mentioned his plans to disband some NYPD units and spend $1 billion on a new city agency to address emergencies involving mental health and homelessness. Mamdani told Hochul he would invite the governor to be part of discussions over his handling of the NYPD and selecting a police commissioner.
The endorsement comes at a crucial time for both Mamdani and Hochul, as they navigate the complex political landscape of New York. With the election fast approaching, the impact of this endorsement on the race remains to be seen.
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