Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) avoided answering when she would endorse New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Sunday, saying “outside influence” shouldn’t influence the race.
Mamdani is campaigning to lead the Big Apple with the backing of multiple politicians, boasting the endorsements of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Hochul has yet to endorse Mamdani but said Monday she had “some candid conversations” with the socialist about his leadership.
The governor said Sunday there is “so much speculation” about her decision regarding the New York City election, but noted “the bigger question” is what voters want. She also said she votes in Buffalo and is “not in New York City.”
“Listen, it is up to the voters, and there should not be outside influences on this decision from the White House on down. Let the voters of New York decide,” Hochul said on Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream.
“But my job is whomever is the mayor of New York, I need them to work with me to make sure that we continue to be a company that prizes and celebrates people’s success, that we want to make sure people, all people feel welcome here, that we protect the Jewish community, the business community feels that they can thrive here, and we start creating jobs and making sure our streets are safe. Those are my priorities,” Hochul said.
The governor also said the next mayor will “have to work with me” and concluded, “We’ll see what happens.”
Hochul’s dodge on whether she will endorse Mamdani comes as she is up for reelection next year.
MAMDANI CHALLENGES TRUMP TO TELEVISED DEBATE
Mayor Eric Adams, seeking reelection this November as an independent candidate, insisted on Friday that he will remain in the race, ending recent speculation that he could drop out. The sitting mayor is trailing behind the other three candidates — Mamdani, independent candidate and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa — in the race.
President Donald Trump responded to Adams’s commitment to stay in the race at a press conference, saying the only way to beat Mamdani is for the Democratic nominee to face one opposing candidate.