New York Democrats are following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D-NY) lead when it comes to backing Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor.
Comparatively centrist or establishment Democrats have expressed unease about Mamdani’s candidacy under the socialist banner, leading to monthslong speculation about whether Hochul would endorse his campaign.
Her move to do so over the weekend appeared to have swayed colleagues, leading them to issue their own endorsements. State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is expected to back Mamdani this week, according to the New York Post, after state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli offered his support Tuesday.
As reported by Politico, DiNapoli’s endorsement was muted. He supported Mamdani based on his sweeping win against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.
“The Democratic voters in the New York City primary made their choices. I respect their decisions and support the team of Zohran Mamdani for Mayor,” he said. “Though Assemblyman Mamdani and I have some serious differences on certain policies, I look forward to working with him to help New York City succeed and thrive.”
The latest developments in the mayoral race highlight the tensions brewing between the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party. Several powerful establishment figures in New York political circles continue to withhold key endorsements from Mamdani.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) have declined to back the socialist as the mayoral election looms.
Polls have Mamdani winning the race, even as his leading rivals, Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, have continued to downplay his margin of support.