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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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has become a central figure in the upcoming New York governor's race despite not being on the ballot. Mamdani's endorsement of incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul has drawn praise from Democrats but criticism from Republicans who view his progressive policies as "completely backwards." The race is shaping up to be a battle over the direction of the state, with Mamdani's influence looming large.

Why it matters

Mamdani's prominence in the governor's race highlights the growing influence of progressive politicians in New York, particularly in the state's largest city. His endorsement of Hochul could sway urban voters, but Republicans are hoping to use Mamdani's policies as a foil to rally their base. The outcome of the race could have significant implications for the future direction of New York state.

The details

Just three months after winning the New York City mayoral election, Mamdani has already become a central figure in the upcoming governor's race. Hochul, the incumbent Democratic governor, has touted Mamdani's endorsement, while Republicans like Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman have criticized the "Hochul-Mamdani agenda." Mamdani and Hochul have expressed disagreements on some issues, but the mayor has said they must "work together to honor" their "sacred oath of service." Mamdani's progressive policies, including proposals for free public transit and universal childcare, have drawn praise from Democrats but scorn from Republicans who view them as "completely backwards."

  • 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 scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The democratic socialist mayor of New York City who has become a central figure in the upcoming New York governor's race despite not being on the ballot.

Kathy Hochul

The incumbent Democratic governor of New York who has touted Mamdani's endorsement in her campaign.

Bruce Blakeman

The likely Republican nominee for New York governor, who has criticized the "Hochul-Mamdani agenda."

Donald Trump

The former president who initially criticized Mamdani but later praised him after his mayoral victory.

Phil Orenstein

A convention attendee from Queens Village who criticized Hochul for "latching onto Mamdani."

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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)

“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.”

— Zohran Mamdani (The Nation)

What’s next

The outcome of the New York governor's race in November 2026 will determine the future direction of the state and the influence of progressive policies championed by Mayor Mamdani.

The takeaway

The prominence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in the upcoming New York governor's race highlights the growing influence of progressive politicians in the state, particularly in its largest city. The race will be a battle over the future direction of New York, with Mamdani's endorsement of Governor Hochul playing a key role.