Take a moment to pause and consider.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has not yet decided to endorse socialist Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, as she voiced her opposition to his proposal to increase taxes on the wealthy.
“I am focused on ensuring affordability, and raising taxes on individuals does not align with that goal,” she told reporters at LaGuardia Airport.
“I am working to retain job creators in the city so that we can have well-paying jobs.”
Hochul’s cautious stance on Mamdani follows his victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary, causing a stir and leading moderate party members to contemplate the party’s shift towards the left.
The Democratic governor congratulated Mamdani on his apparent win but refrained from endorsing him for the upcoming general election in November.
Mayor Eric Adams, a centrist Democrat, is seeking re-election as an independent candidate in the general election, and for now, Hochul intends to continue working closely with him.
Hochul commended Adams for his “City of Yes” housing initiative and his efforts to maintain subway safety.
“We are six months away from inauguration day, and that will determine my future collaboration for the next four years,” she stated.