Mamdani Emerges as Key Figure in New York Governor's Race

New York City Mayor's Endorsement of Governor Hochul Sparks Debate

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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With the New York governor's race on the horizon, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a central figure, despite not being on the ballot himself. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has endorsed incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, who is facing a Republican challenger. This alliance has drawn criticism from some Republicans, who see Mamdani's progressive policies as a liability for Hochul. However, Mamdani and Hochul have also expressed disagreements on certain issues, highlighting the complex dynamics at play.

Why it matters

Mamdani's prominence in the governor's race reflects the growing influence of progressive politics in New York, particularly in the state's largest city. The outcome of the race could have significant implications for the direction of New York's policies, especially on issues like housing, transportation, and social services. Additionally, the way Republicans choose to incorporate Mamdani into their messaging could shape the broader political discourse in the state.

The details

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has endorsed incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul in the upcoming gubernatorial election. This alliance has drawn criticism from some Republicans, who see Mamdani's progressive policies as a liability for Hochul. However, Mamdani and Hochul have also expressed disagreements on certain issues, such as taxes. The race has become a battleground for competing visions of New York's future, with Mamdani's influence looming large despite not being on the ballot himself.

  • Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election in November 2025.
  • Mamdani visited the White House and met with President Donald Trump after his victory in November 2025.
  • The New York governor's race is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, Mamdani is a democratic socialist who has endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

Kathy Hochul

The incumbent governor of New York, Hochul has accepted Mamdani's endorsement and is facing a Republican challenger in the 2026 election.

Bruce Blakeman

The likely Republican gubernatorial nominee, Blakeman has criticized the "Hochul-Mamdani agenda" and the direction they are pushing New York in.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, Trump initially criticized Mamdani heavily during the New York City mayoral election, but later praised him and said he could "do some things that are really great."

Antonio Delgado

The former lieutenant governor of New York, Delgado had been challenging Hochul in the Democratic primary but suspended his campaign on Tuesday.

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What they’re saying

“Kathy Hochul is scrounging for votes and she latched onto Mamdani. She endorsed him. He endorsed her in the governor's race and you can see where that's going. It's going so far off the cliff.”

— Phil Orenstein, Convention attendee (ABC News)

“Mayor Mamdani understands that we need to build a New York that everyone can afford — I'm grateful for his partnership in finally bringing universal child care to New York, and I know that he'll stand strong alongside me as we fight against Donald Trump's attacks on this state.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (Statement)

“His policies are completely backwards and we are not a socialist country. We are not a socialist state. The vast majority of voters disagree with the policies that he has put forward across New York.”

— Benji Federman, Broome County Republican Committee Chair (ABC News)

“Those of us entrusted with the sacred oath of service must heed that call and work together to honor it. That requires not the absence of disagreement but the presence of trust. We must be able to disagree honestly while still delivering for the people we serve.”

— Zohran Mamdani (The Nation)

What’s next

The Republican gubernatorial nominee, Bruce Blakeman, is expected to continue criticizing the "Hochul-Mamdani agenda" as the campaign season progresses. Additionally, the dynamics between Mamdani and Hochul, who have expressed disagreements on certain issues, will be closely watched as the election approaches.

The takeaway

Mamdani's prominence in the New York governor's race reflects the growing influence of progressive politics in the state, particularly in its largest city. The outcome of the race could have significant implications for the direction of New York's policies, and the way Republicans choose to incorporate Mamdani into their messaging could shape the broader political discourse in the state.