NYC Mayor Mamdani to Endorse Gov. Hochul for Re-Election

Surprise move from progressive leader boosts moderate Democratic incumbent

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, is set to endorse Governor Kathy Hochul's re-election bid ahead of the party's nominating convention this Friday. The endorsement from the rising progressive star is seen as a major boost for the moderate Hochul, who had backed Mamdani's own mayoral campaign last year.

Why it matters

Mamdani's endorsement of Hochul, an establishment Democrat, represents a surprising show of support from the progressive wing of the party for the incumbent governor. This could help shore up Hochul's standing with left-leaning voters ahead of the 2026 election.

The details

Multiple sources have confirmed that Mamdani, a little-known lefty state lawmaker who shocked political elites by winning the NYC mayoral primary, will make his endorsement of Hochul sometime this week before she is set to receive the party's nomination at the official convention in Syracuse.

  • Mamdani is expected to make his endorsement this week, before Hochul receives the party's nomination on Friday.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The Democratic socialist mayor of New York City who unexpectedly won the Democratic primary last year.

Kathy Hochul

The incumbent Democratic governor of New York who is seeking re-election in 2026.

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The takeaway

This endorsement from a rising progressive star like Mamdani could help Hochul, a moderate Democrat, shore up support from the party's left flank ahead of the 2026 election.