Gov. Kathy Hochul acknowledged Tuesday that supporters of Mayor Zohran Mamdani 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 campaigning alongside the socialist mayor, even as Mamdani’s backers continue urging her to embrace their “tax the rich” agenda.
Hochul described Mamdani as “pragmatic,” while conceding that some of his allies may object to the unlikely partnership between the two Democrats.
“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 effort to turn out voters across New York City, a crucial part of the state where the governor will need overwhelming support in her race against Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman.
The pair made several joint appearances over the weekend, aiming to boost participation among younger New Yorkers in the deep-blue state.
Mamdani, one of the Democratic Socialists of America’s most prominent figures, unsuccessfully pressed Hochul to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers during last spring’s budget negotiations, frustrating many of his fellow socialists.
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Over the past year, Hochul repeatedly endured boos and chants at events with the mayor as attendees criticized her position on taxes.
“The more you push me, the more I’m not gonna do what you want,” Hochul said last year, days after Mamdani’s victory.
New York’s chapter of the socialist group nevertheless kept up its campaign before lawmakers approved the state budget, organizing rallies and applying pressure to the governor online.
Hochul helped Mamdani during his first city budget cycle by providing state funds and advanced a pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes in the five boroughs. Even so, the governor has remained a frequent target of the mayor’s supporters.
“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 seeking her second full four-year term in the Nov. 3 election, with early voting already underway.
She is being challenged by Republican Bruce Blakeman, 71, who serves as Nassau County executive.
The governor’s annual salary is $250,000.
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