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On Friday, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) launched a sharp critique against Governor Kathy Hochul, labeling her as a pawn of billionaires. This denunciation came despite a divergence from fellow DSA member, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had recently voiced support for Hochul.
The New York City chapter of the DSA accused Hochul of prioritizing the interests of her wealthy donors over the needs of working-class New Yorkers. This criticism was part of a broader push to pressure the governor to increase taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents.
The DSA’s blistering comments followed Mamdani’s endorsement of Hochul in her bid for re-election as governor in the 2026 race. The group expressed disappointment in her leadership during a time they believe demands more robust action for working people.
“The NYC-DSA does not see Governor Kathy Hochul as rising to the occasion, especially when working individuals are facing unprecedented challenges,” the organization stated. They accused her of consistently aligning with her affluent donors while neglecting the needs of everyday New Yorkers.
They further criticized the governor for her lack of response to significant threats facing working people, emphasizing the absence of adequate measures in her budget to support those at risk of losing healthcare and SNAP benefits in the future.
Hochul has repeatedly made clear she has no plans to raise taxes this year, which could hamstring Mamdani’s freebie-filled agenda and make it harder to fill a $12 billion city budget gap.
Hizzoner, in his endorsement of Hochul, noted that he and the governor didn’t agree on whether to tax the ultra-wealthy – but said the two have had a productive partnership so far.
“Governor Hochul has demonstrated time and again that she will only prioritize the needs of working-class New Yorkers when she is forced,” the DSA said in its statement.
The DSA accused Hochul of compromising with Republicans to win elections, saying she’s focused on “keeping donors happy and letting the working class take on the mounting costs.”
“Zohran’s election proves that New Yorkers are no longer satisfied with this kind of leadership and are ready to demand a vision of government for working people,” the DSA said.
Mamdani catapulted to the front of a crowded Democratic primary before winning the mayor’s office last year with the support of the city’s DSA, of which he is a member.
A coalition of progressive organizations, including the DSA, is expected to urge state leaders to raise taxes on the wealthy and offer a state budget that alleviates the affordability crunch during a march in Albany scheduled for February 25.
While Hochul expectedly did not receive the DSA’s blessing on Friday, all 19 House Democratic lawmakers in the Empire State, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, endorsed Hochul on Friday.
Hochul is set to face her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, in a Democratic primary in June, with the former Hudson Valley House representative running to the left of the governor.
The presumed GOP candidate in the race is Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.