NY Gov. Hochul touts ‘alignment’ with far-left Mamdani

The Democratic governor stopped short of endorsing progressive, anti-Israel mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani ahead of November’s election.

By World Israel News Staff

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she would work with far-left New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani if he wins the election, despite major differences in political ideology and policy.

Hochul, like many mainstream Democrats, has expressed concerns over Mamdani’s progressive proposals, such as imposing massive tax increases on businesses and the wealthy.

Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Hochul struck a conciliatory tone, saying she would partner with Mamdani, despite their political disagreements.

“We still have many differences. I don’t know how you whitewash that away,” Hochul said.

While acknowledging “many areas of disagreement,” she noted the pair share “alignment” in certain areas, including the issue of affordability.

She added that Mamdani’s popularity reflects a public desire for a political shift.

“You know, his election touched a nerve. And people said, you know what, we’re just not getting ahead. And the Trump policies that were promised to lift people up, reduce costs, not touch Medicaid, make sure that tariffs create jobs — none of that happened. So there is this sense of we need some change now.”

Hochul said that during her time as governor, she has worked with two different New York City mayors and would treat Mamdani no differently if he is elected.

“I’ll continue to work with whomever the voters want me to, and I’ll make it work out,” she said. “I’m not going to go to war with the 8 million residents of New York I also represent.”

The governor declined to say whether she would formally endorse Mamdani before the November election.

“Let’s see what the election results are,” Hochul told Fox News.

“But people have to recognize that the candidate for mayor [Mamdani] has also touched a nerve and we need to respond to that. I’m aligned with him that we need to find ways to make life more affordable for New Yorkers.”