Zohran Mamdani mayor backed by Hochul as polls show big lead

Zohran Mamdani mayor bid gains boost as Gov. Hochul backs him, with polls showing a 22-point lead over rivals in New York City 2025 election.

Hochul’s Endorsement Signals Democratic Unity

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has officially endorsed Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani in the city’s heated mayoral race. Her support comes as Mamdani enjoys a commanding lead in recent polls ahead of the November 4, 2025 election.

Hochul explained her endorsement in an op-ed, noting that Mamdani shares her vision of creating a safer, more affordable New York City. She highlighted his commitment to improving public services and expanding opportunities for working families.

Who Is Zohran Mamdani?

At just 33, Mamdani has become a rising star in progressive politics. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, he is known for his pro-Palestinian stance and bold policies, including:

• Free public bus service across NYC
• Rent freezes for subsidized tenants
• Equitable allocation of city resources

Mamdani secured a decisive victory in the Democratic primary, winning 56.4% of the vote, and defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo Stays in the Race Despite Defeat

Although Mamdani defeated Andrew Cuomo in the primary, Cuomo has refused to step aside. His continued campaign reflects the sharp ideological divide within the Democratic Party. Cuomo, who is known for his pro-Israel positions, has also represented Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in international legal disputes.

Polls Show Mamdani Dominating

A recent Quinnipiac University poll shows Mamdani leading the race with 45% support among likely voters. Cuomo trails far behind at 23%, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa sits at 15%. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, lags with just 12%.

This puts Mamdani ahead by 22 points, a margin that has caught national attention.

Trump Reacts to Mamdani’s Lead

Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the race, describing Mamdani’s surge as a “rebellion against bad candidates.” Despite mocking him as “my little communist mayor,” Trump admitted Mamdani appears strongly positioned to win.

Interestingly, Mamdani has used Trump’s comments to fuel his campaign, portraying himself as a defender of working-class New Yorkers against Trump-aligned politics.

Growing Pressure on Democratic Leaders

Some top Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and Ritchie Torres, have hesitated to endorse Mamdani. This reluctance has drawn criticism from progressive voices like Senator Chris Van Hollen, who urged Democrats to unite:

“They need to get behind him, and get behind him now.”

With Hochul now on board, pressure mounts on other party leaders to follow suit.

What This Means for New York

If Mamdani wins, it would mark a historic shift in New York City politics. His agenda leans heavily toward social equity, affordable housing, and progressive reforms — a contrast to the more centrist leadership of recent decades.

Mamdani has also campaigned alongside national progressive figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, further energizing young and left-leaning voters.

Final Thoughts

Governor Hochul’s endorsement is a major boost for Mamdani, giving him both legitimacy among establishment Democrats and momentum heading into the final stretch of the race. With polls showing a wide lead, the November election could cement his position as the face of a new political era in New York.

Zohran Mamdani mayor.