New York Governor Kathy Hochul is facing backlash after publicly urging voters to support Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani during an event in Queens. Mamdani, known for his progressive political agenda and alignment with Democratic Socialist movements, has been a polarizing figure in New York state politics.
During the event, Hochul called on attendees to channel their “energy and passion into 2026” to help Democrats regain control of Congress, declaring, “With your help, we will elect Zohran. We will take back America.”
Her remarks immediately fueled criticism from opponents who argue that the governor is embracing the party’s most progressive wing instead of prioritizing bipartisan cooperation and mainstream voter concerns.
Critics say Mamdani’s policies — which have included aggressive positions on housing, policing, and identity-based political messaging — reflect a political vision that some believe could risk further division and economic instability in the state and beyond.
The endorsement adds to growing debate about the direction of Hochul’s administration, with detractors claiming she is increasingly aligning with the far-left and moving away from kitchen-table issues such as public safety, affordability, and economic opportunity — priorities frequently cited by New York residents.