NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Gov. Kathy Hochul has made her choice for who she thinks should win the New York City mayor race.

Gov. Hochul officially announced Sunday that she has endorsed Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani for the upcoming election.

“New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers. That’s Zohran Mamdani,” expressed the governor in a social media announcement.

Gov. Hochul detailed her reasoning in an opinion article in the New York Times, asserting that despite past disagreements, Mamdani is ideally suited for the position.

“Through our discussions, I encountered a leader aligned with my vision for a New York where children can thrive safely in their communities and where opportunities abound for all families,” Hochul stated.

 Hochul said they share similar beliefs in policing, affordability, and protecting religious groups as well as families.

Mamdani expressed “gratitude” for Hochul’s support and anticipated “collaborating with her to enhance her successful efforts in boosting the finances of New Yorkers” in a statement shared on Sunday night.

“There’s so much work left to do, and our movement is only growing stronger,” Mamdani said.

Hochul primarily views Mamdani as the most effective opponent against President Donald Trump and his “heinous and harmful policies,” as she articulated in her essay.

“I needed to know the next mayor would not be someone who would surrender one inch to Donald Trump.”

She called herself and Mamdain “unlike allies,” but sees it as a positivity in that.

“That’s the essence of this moment for me. What New Yorkers need now isn’t resentment or hostility, but a determined commitment to fight tirelessly,” declared Hochul.

“For all these reasons, I am endorsing Zohran Mamdani in the upcoming election for mayor. And I look forward to working with him to ensure that New York City’s best days lie ahead.”

Daniel Kurzyna, spokesperson for the Republican nominee for New York City mayor, Curtis Sliwa, released a statement regarding the news.

“The worst governor in America just endorsed the worst candidate for mayor,” Kurzyna said. “They deserve each other.”