Hochul endorses Mamdani for NYC mayor
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor on Sept. 14, 2025, via a New York Times op-ed and social media, citing affordability and safety after “frank conversations”; recent polls show Mamdani leading by 22 points. The move exposed Democratic rifts—state party chair Jay Jacobs refused to endorse (citing policy differences, including over Israel) while Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries remained noncommittal—prompting Sen. Chris Van Hollen to blast holdouts as “spineless” and Jeffries to retort “Chris Van Who?,” even as Kamala Harris offered lukewarm support. President Trump attacked the endorsement, labeling Mamdani a “Liddle Communist” and warning NYC’s federal funding could be at risk; Mamdani thanked Hochul, emphasized his affordability agenda, and has denied being a communist.
📰 Sources (5)
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris also voiced support for Mamdani during a live MSNBC interview, adding to the roster of prominent endorsements.
- Her remarks were characterized as lukewarm—'I support the Democrat in the race, sure'—but nonetheless constitute a formal statement of support.
- State Democratic chair Jay Jacobs says he will not endorse Zohran Mamdani despite Gov. Kathy Hochul’s endorsement.
- Jacobs cites fundamental disagreements on how to address income disparity and specifically disagrees with Mamdani’s stance on Israel.
- Jacobs says he would resign as party chair if Gov. Hochul asked him to do so (per Politico).
- Jacobs calls some fearmongering about Mamdani ‘a gross over-reaction.’
- Mamdani has distanced himself from the phrase ‘globalize the intifada’ and says he would discourage supporters from using it.
- President Trump publicly criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul’s endorsement of Zohran Mamdani and suggested New York City’s federal funding could be at risk if Mamdani wins.
- Trump’s Truth Social post called Mamdani the 'Liddle Communist' and said 'Washington will be watching this situation very closely... No reason to be sending good money after bad!'
- Mamdani responded by thanking Hochul and reiterating affordability-focused proposals; Fox reiterates his denial that he is a communist.
- Sen. Chris Van Hollen publicly criticized New York Democrats who have not endorsed Zohran Mamdani, calling their stance 'spineless politics.'
- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries’ spokesperson responded that Jeffries will address the general election 'well in advance of Nov. 4' and quipped, 'Chris Van Who?'
- Sen. Chuck Schumer said he had a 'good meeting' with Mamdani and will 'keep talking,' signaling continued deliberation.
- Article reiterates that Hochul has now endorsed Mamdani, adding her rationale via a New York Times op‑ed.
- Endorsement date and venue: Sept. 14, 2025, via NYT op-ed and social media
- Hochul’s rationale: focus on affordability and safety; willingness to back Mamdani after 'frank conversations'
- Status of others: Schumer and Jeffries have not endorsed; recent polls show Mamdani leading by 22 points