Gov. Kathy Hochul has thrown her support behind Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani in the 2025 NYC mayoral race, strengthening his campaign yet further polarizing voters, especially within the city’s Jewish population.
As she offered her endorsement, Hochul admitted to policy disagreements with the 33-year-old Queens Democrat. “We won’t always agree, and I’m fine with that,” she said, mentioning their frank and sometimes difficult discussions. Nonetheless, she lauded Mamdani for his “dedication to making New York City affordable.”
Jewish Community Sees Division
Hochul’s remarks sought to address concerns from Jewish voters, many of whom are split on Mamdani’s run. “We spoke about combating antisemitism urgently,” Hochul commented, referencing Mamdani’s efforts to connect with Jewish leaders.
Yet some groups remain cautious. Sara Forman, head of the New York Solidarity Network, objected to Hochul’s endorsement. “We can’t support her choice to endorse Zohran Mamdani, whose values don’t align with ours,” she stated.
According to a July poll by the group, just over a third of Jewish voters favor Mamdani, with notable differences by religious denomination and age. Reform Jews and those under 40 showed more support, in contrast to Orthodox and older voters who voiced significant opposition.
Conversely, progressive Jewish groups welcomed Hochul’s action. Alicia Singham Goodwin, political director for Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, stated, “Zohran and his platform resonate strongly with a diverse array of New Yorkers, including those in Jewish communities.”
Questions on Economy and Safety
In addition to religious tensions, Mamdani’s policies on business and public safety have attracted scrutiny. Hochul reiterated her priority of keeping New York an international business center and said she emphasized to Mamdani her belief that police must be fully resourced to keep the city secure.
While key business organizations have yet to weigh in, labor supporters remain loyal to Mamdani. 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich welcomed Hochul’s move, saying, “Together, we can better ensure affordability for our city’s residents.”
With Hochul’s public blessing, Mamdani heads into the critical phase of the race with greater institutional backing, but mounting pressure from moderates and business interests.
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