NY Governor Endorses Candidate in Hotly Contested NYC Congressional Race

Hochul backs Zohran Mamdani in crowded primary to replace retiring Rep. Jerry Nadler

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:53pm

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A dimly lit New York City street corner at dusk, with a lone figure standing in the distance, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, capturing the quiet, cinematic mood of the high-stakes political race.The high-stakes race for New York's 12th Congressional District seat casts a long shadow over the city's political landscape.NYC Today

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has made a rare endorsement in the heated primary race to replace retiring Congressman Jerry Nadler in New York's 12th Congressional District. Several candidates, including Alex Bores, Micah Lasher, and Jack Schlossberg, have either announced their candidacy or are considering a run for the open seat.

Why it matters

Hochul's endorsement in this high-profile NYC race is significant, as the governor typically avoids taking sides in competitive Democratic primaries. Her backing of Zohran Mamdani could provide a boost to his campaign and influence the outcome of the crowded contest to succeed the long-serving Nadler.

The details

Governor Kathy Hochul has thrown her support behind Zohran Mamdani, a New York City Council member, in the Democratic primary for the 12th Congressional District. The seat is being vacated by the retirement of longtime Congressman Jerry Nadler. Several other candidates, including Alex Bores, Micah Lasher, and Jack Schlossberg, have either declared their candidacy or are considering a run for the open seat.

  • Rep. Jerry Nadler is retiring from his Congressional seat.
  • The Democratic primary election for the 12th Congressional District is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, who has made a rare endorsement in the crowded Democratic primary for the 12th Congressional District.

Zohran Mamdani

A New York City Council member who has received Governor Hochul's endorsement in the primary race for the 12th Congressional District.

Jerry Nadler

The long-serving Congressman for New York's 12th Congressional District, who is retiring from his seat.

Alex Bores

A candidate who has announced or is considering a run for the open 12th Congressional District seat.

Micah Lasher

A candidate who has announced or is considering a run for the open 12th Congressional District seat.

Jack Schlossberg

A candidate who has announced or is considering a run for the open 12th Congressional District seat.

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What they’re saying

“Governor Hochul's endorsement in this race is a significant development that could sway the outcome of the primary.”

— Alex Bores, Candidate for NY-12

What’s next

The Democratic primary election for the 12th Congressional District is scheduled for June 2026. The winner of the primary will advance to the general election in November 2026.

The takeaway

Governor Hochul's rare endorsement in the crowded primary race for New York's 12th Congressional District seat highlights the high stakes and competitive nature of this open seat contest. Her backing of Zohran Mamdani could provide a significant boost to his campaign, potentially influencing the outcome of the primary.