New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has endorsed Governor Kathy Hochul for her 2026 reelection bid, citing their successful collaboration on universal childcare. The endorsement highlights a new era of cooperation between City Hall and Albany despite policy differences. Mamdani praised Hochul's commitment to delivering tangible results for working families.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the 112th mayor, announced his endorsement of Governor Kathy Hochul in an essay published on February 5, 2026. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, emphasized their joint achievement in securing universal childcare, described as one of the largest expansions of the city's social safety net. This agreement, celebrated shortly after Mamdani took office, provides more than $1 billion in state funding and lifts a burden of over $22,500 from families, enabling them to afford raising children in the city.
"The era of empty promises ends," Mamdani wrote, crediting nearly 100,000 volunteers who engaged millions of New Yorkers during his campaign. He noted that the policy win occurred just eight days into his administration, thanks to Hochul's support. Together, they have protected New Yorkers from ICE, defended democracy, and improved relations between Albany and City Hall, moving beyond years of pettiness.
Despite disagreements, particularly on taxing the wealthiest amid income inequality, Mamdani argued for trust and honest dialogue to deliver progress. He highlighted Hochul's defense of the social safety net and infrastructure funding against threats from Washington. "Governor Kathy Hochul has earned my endorsement because she has chosen to govern in [a] spirit [of transformation]," Mamdani stated.
This endorsement comes amid Mamdani's early governance challenges, including snow clearance after a January 2026 blizzard, where streets were cleared efficiently but sidewalks lagged. Critics have noted issues like uncollected trash and a lack of a Black deputy mayor. Upcoming events include Mamdani's preliminary budget and a February 17 trip to Albany for funding pleas, potentially bolstered by this alliance.
The collaboration underscores a Democratic Party model of channeling conflict toward progress, focused on competent government for affordability crises in childcare, housing, and transit.
