Hochul's Backing of Socialist Mayoral Frontrunner Could Derail Reelection

Political strategists across New York are warning that Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor could shape next year’s gubernatorial election. Hochul, who faces an uphill reelection battle in 2025, announced her support for Mamdani two weeks ago, months after his primary victory. Mayor Eric Adams just suspended his campaign, leaving Mamdani to face independent candidate, and former Governor, Andrew Cuomo.

Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has rolled out a progressive platform that includes a multi-year rent freeze, higher taxes on the wealthy, and publicly owned grocery stores. Hochul, while acknowledging policy differences, said she chose to back him in the interest of Democratic unity, emphasizing that they share goals of affordability and public safety.

Republican strategists quickly framed the move as a major vulnerability. Consultant Hank Sheinkopf told Spectrum News that Hochul would face serious difficulties retaining office, arguing that Mamdani’s rhetoric could alienate suburban voters and ethnic communities outside the city. He predicted Hochul would find it nearly impossible to win reelection without suburban support.

Similarly, GOP strategist Chapin Fay described Mamdani as the future of the party, but called it a dark one and suggested Republicans would use Hochul’s alignment with him in campaign ads. He pointed to Representative Elise Stefanik as a likely challenger, saying Hochul had “given her yet another villain,” alongside figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Former President Donald Trump echoed the sentiment on Truth Social writing that Mamdani would be “one of the best things to happen” for Republican candidates.

Sheinkopf also said the endorsement would embolden democratic socialists to challenge Democrats nationwide, giving them a springboard of extraordinary prominence. In his view, the move would make it harder for moderates to distance themselves from progressive policies unpopular with independents.

Democratic strategists countered that argument, saying voters would not be convinced Hochul shares Mamdani’s ideology. Trip Yang, a Democratic strategist supportive of the governor, said Hochul’s choice was politically smart. He noted that Hochul has been open about disagreements, including opposition to raising taxes on the wealthy and to controversial stances like directing law enforcement to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, said the endorsement might help Hochul with younger Democrats frustrated with senior party leadership. He added that her vulnerability remains real and the outcome will depend heavily on who Republicans nominate. He pointed to the 2022 race where Hochul narrowly defeated Lee Zeldin, as proof the GOP could be competitive.

Meanwhile, Hochul’s lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, who has mounted a long-shot primary bid against her, endorsed Mamdani immediately after the primary. That could complicate internal party dynamics but also highlight Hochul’s positioning as a moderate.

Hochul’s campaign has stressed that her record speaks for itself. A spokesperson described her as pragmatic and moderate, underscoring that many of Mamdani’s proposals would require her approval and offering her opportunities to reaffirm her own centrist priorities.

Hochul's Backing of Socialist Mayoral Frontrunner Mamdani Could Derail Reelection