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

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

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Just months after winning the New York City mayoral election, Zohran Mamdani has already become a central figure in the upcoming New York governor's race. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has endorsed incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul, drawing criticism from some Republican officials who view his progressive policies as a liability. Meanwhile, Hochul has embraced Mamdani's support, touting their partnership on issues like universal childcare. As the gubernatorial race heats up, Mamdani's role and influence will likely continue to be a point of contention.

Why it matters

Mamdani's prominence in the governor's race highlights the growing influence of progressive politics in New York, particularly in the state's largest city. His endorsement of Hochul could sway voters, but also risks alienating more conservative-leaning residents outside of New York City. The race will serve as a test of how far left-leaning policies can go in a statewide election.

The details

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Hochul has embraced Mamdani's support, citing their collaboration on issues like universal childcare. However, some Republican officials have criticized the 'Hochul-Mamdani agenda,' arguing that Mamdani's progressive policies are out of step with most New Yorkers. The race has also drawn the attention of former President Donald Trump, who initially criticized Mamdani but later praised him after the mayor's election victory.

  • Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election in November 2025.
  • Mamdani visited the White House and was congratulated by President Trump after his mayoral victory.
  • The New York governor's race is set to take place in 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 embraced Mamdani's endorsement and touted their partnership on issues like universal childcare.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, Trump initially criticized Mamdani but later praised him after the mayor's election victory.

Bruce Blakeman

The likely Republican gubernatorial nominee, Blakeman has criticized the 'Hochul-Mamdani agenda' and the progressive policies they represent.

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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.”

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

What’s next

The New York governor's race is set to take place in November 2026, with Hochul and the Republican nominee, likely Bruce Blakeman, facing off. Mamdani's role and influence in the campaign will continue to be a focus of attention and debate.

The takeaway

Mamdani's endorsement of Hochul highlights the growing influence of progressive politics in New York, particularly in the state's largest city. The governor's race will serve as a test of how far left-leaning policies can go in a statewide election, with Mamdani's prominence likely to be a key factor in the outcome.