Mayor Mamdani Takes on Surrogate Role for Gov. Hochul in Home Stretch of Governor's Race

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is playing an increasingly active role in supporting Governor Kathy Hochul's campaign as the gubernatorial race enters its final stretch. The two appeared together at a get-out-the-vote rally in Crown Heights on Sunday, and they rode the G train together to Williamsburg last Friday — an event Hochul's campaign turned into an advertisement released Monday. When reporters asked Mamdani on Monday to explain high turnout during the first weekend of early voting, he credited excitement for Hochul's record and vision on making life more affordable. Their alliance stands out because the two come from different wings of the Democratic Party and have disagreed on issues including taxing the wealthy and support for Israel. Their clearest shared ground is universal childcare: Hochul has committed billions to it, a commitment Mamdani returns to repeatedly. "New Yorkers across the five boroughs are excited about 2K," he said. The mayor also credited state funding with helping the city close its budget gap, saying Hochul put New York City "back on firm financial footing." Hochul endorsed Mamdani during his general-election mayoral campaign, and he now appears to be returning the favor by working to turn out his left-leaning supporters for the more moderate governor. Asked whether he expects anything in return, Mamdani said he is looking forward to "a continuation of a positive and productive working relationship with the governor."