NY governor endorses Mamdani, saying they discussed antisemitism

New York Governor Kathy Hochul endorses New York Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani for mayor, in a major boost for the harsh US critic of Israel.

Hochul is a moderate Democrat and a firm supporter of Israel, while Mamdani is on the far left and has made harsh criticism of Israel central to his politics.

Mamdani won the Democratic party mayoral primary earlier this year, making him the heavy favorite in November’s general election.

His leading opponent in the general election is former governor Andrew Cuomo, another pro-Israel moderate and Hochul’s predecessor. Mamdani defeated Cuomo in the primary.

Hochul, announcing her endorsement in The New York Times, says she has been speaking with Mamdani for months, including about Jewish issues.

“We discussed the need to combat the rise of antisemitism urgently and unequivocally,” Hochul says. “I’ve been glad to see him meet with Jewish leaders across the city, listening and addressing their concerns directly. I look forward to working together to make sure New Yorkers of all faiths feel safe and welcome in New York City.”

Mamdani’s Jewish allies are mainly far-left Israel critics.

Mamdani is divisive among Jewish voters. He was the leading candidate among Jews in the four-way race, with around 37% support, according to a July poll by the pro-Israel New York Solidarity Network. That figure is similar to his support among the non-Jewish population.

While 60% of Jews were opposed to Mamdani, their support was divided among the other mayoral candidates.

Slightly more than half of the city’s Jews believe Mamdani is antisemitic, and 58% believe the city will be less safe for Jews if Mamdani is elected, the poll found.

Hochul’s endorsement is a major win for Mamdani because she is a moderate Democratic Party veteran whose backing will likely assuage voters who are concerned about the upstart Mamdani’s far-left politics and policy proposals.