Gov. Kathy Hochul acknowledged Tuesday that some of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s supporters are probably less than enthusiastic about seeing the two political allies together in public.
The Democratic governor, who is seeking reelection on Nov. 3, has been appearing alongside the socialist mayor as Mamdani’s backers continue urging her to embrace their campaign to “tax the rich.”
Hochul described Mamdani as “pragmatic,” while conceding that some members of his political circle may object to the partnership between the unlikely allies.
“I’d say very pragmatic when it comes to getting things done,” Hochul told Politico Mag.
“He understands the relationship with the governor is important,” she said. “His supporters probably aren’t thrilled when they see us standing together, too, right? That’s fine.”
Her remarks came as Mamdani joined Hochul’s reelection effort, offering to help turn out voters in New York City — a crucial stronghold where the governor will need a decisive margin against Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.
The pair made several joint appearances over the weekend, hoping to boost turnout among younger New Yorkers in the reliably Democratic state.
Mamdani, a prominent figure in the Democratic Socialists of America, unsuccessfully pressed Hochul to increase taxes on wealthy New Yorkers during last spring’s budget negotiations, frustrating many of his ideological allies.
CONTINUE READING: 50ft Rollercoaster Faces Demolition After Being Deemed ‘Excessive’
Over the past year, Hochul has repeatedly faced boos and tax-related chants from crowds at events alongside the mayor.
“The more you push me, the more I’m not gonna do what you want,” Hochul said last year, shortly after Mamdani won.
Despite that response, New York’s socialist organization continued its campaign before lawmakers approved the state budget, staging rallies and applying pressure to the governor through online activism.
During Mamdani’s first city budget cycle, Hochul provided assistance through state funding and secured a pied-a-terre tax on luxury second homes in the five boroughs. Even so, the mayor’s supporters have continued criticizing the governor.
“This is the cost of Hochul’s inaction. People will die because she refused to tax the rich and fund healthcare,” NYC DSA wrote online in May.
“While Hochul cowers to the donor class, democratic socialists fight for the working class,” the group added. “We’re up against an undemocratic bully in Albany & the oligarchs that back her. But our wins show that movement pressure CAN deliver for our communities.”
Hochul, 68, is pursuing a second full four-year term in the Nov. 3 election, with early voting already in progress.
She is being challenged by Republican Bruce Blakeman, 71, the current Nassau County executive.
The governor’s annual salary is $250,000.
