Unique: New York Metropolis’s mayor explains why he’s backing New York’s governor within the 2026 election.
Zohran Mamdani and Kathy Hochul at a rally in Queens on October 26, 2025.
(Anthony Behar / Sipa by way of AP)
“The period of empty guarantees ends.”
That’s the imaginative and prescient that drove our mayoral marketing campaign. It’s the inspiration of my administration. It’s additionally what Governor Kathy Hochul mentioned as we celebrated an settlement to ship common childcare—one of many largest expansions of the social security web in our metropolis’s historical past.
It’s as consequential a coverage victory as our motion has seen in fairly a while. A burden of greater than $22,500 lifted, the distinction between whether or not or not a household can keep within the metropolis they love with the youngsters they wish to increase. It was made attainable by the practically 100,000 volunteers who talked to tens of millions of New Yorkers at their doorways. However it could not have occurred, simply eight days into our administration, with out Governor Hochul transferring to supply greater than $1 billion in state funding.
We delivered this historic win collectively. Collectively, we have now fought to guard New Yorkers from ICE. Collectively, we have now defended our celebration, our democracy, and the flexibility of working New Yorkers to lift a household within the metropolis they love. And collectively, we have now solid a brand new period within the relationship between Albany and Metropolis Corridor after too a few years outlined by pettiness as a substitute of productiveness. At a second of disaster, we selected a unique path. We revered each other’s views and dedicated to the concept that authorities ought to, and should, work — even when it’s arduous.
The Governor and I don’t agree on the whole lot. We’ve got actual variations, significantly in relation to taxation of the wealthiest, at a second outlined by profound revenue inequality. I proceed to consider that the wealthiest amongst us can afford to pay just a bit bit extra.
However for too lengthy, our politics has been outlined by a well-recognized cycle: huge guarantees, bitter fights, and little tangible progress. This stagnation has taken a toll. Persons are struggling to afford childcare, housing, and public transit. They’re bored with being instructed to attend whereas they’re crushed by an affordability disaster that drives out the very individuals who constructed this metropolis. And they’re rightfully demanding change.
Present Situation
These of us entrusted with the sacred oath of service should heed that decision and work collectively to honor it. That requires not the absence of disagreement, however the presence of belief. We should be capable to disagree truthfully whereas nonetheless delivering for the individuals we serve. Over the previous 6 months, Governor Hochul and I’ve carried out precisely that.
This expertise issues as a result of the challenges forward are actual. New York Metropolis faces finances hardships, an affordability disaster that rages on, and an pressing want for presidency to ship. The temptation is to permit distinction to show into mistrust. However over the course of our relationship, I’ve come to belief Governor Hochul as somebody prepared to interact in an sincere dialogue that results in outcomes. As we face threats from Washington, she has defended our social security web and guarded funding for crucial infrastructure tasks.
At its finest, the Democratic Occasion has been a giant tent not as a result of it avoids battle, however as a result of it channels battle towards progress. A celebration united not by conformity, however by a dedication to structural change — and to the work required to attain it. I’ve seen a mannequin of what that may appear like in my collaboration with Governor Hochul: a relationship constructed on candor, a shared dedication to authorities that’s equal components competent and reliable, and outcomes that working individuals can really feel of their day-to-day lives.
The success of our motion will likely be outlined by the success of our authorities.
New Yorkers deserve leaders who consider in transformation. Leaders who perceive that hope is impressed by a imaginative and prescient, and sustained by change. Governor Kathy Hochul has earned my endorsement as a result of she has chosen to manipulate in that spirit. And on this second, that selection issues.
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