In a strong endorsement for Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani has highlighted their collaborative efforts aimed at enacting substantial policy changes in the city, particularly regarding universal childcare. At a recent rally in Queens, Mamdani emphasized, “The era of empty promises ends,” echoing Hochul’s commitment to delivering impactful reforms.
The universal childcare initiative, which Mamdani described as one of the most significant expansions of the social safety net in the city’s history, has lifted a financial burden of over $22,500 for families, effectively aiding their ability to remain in New York City. This success can be attributed to nearly 100,000 volunteers who engaged with millions of residents, along with Hochul pledging more than $1 billion in state funding just days after Mamdani took office.
Mamdani and Hochul have successfully navigated crucial issues together, including protecting New Yorkers from ICE and fostering a more productive relationship between their administrations. Despite acknowledging their differences—particularly regarding taxation policies aimed at the wealthiest—Mamdani underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing the ongoing affordability crisis impacting childcare, housing, and public transit access in the city.
The mayor expressed a belief in the necessity of trust and honest dialogue for effective governance, especially in light of the pressing challenges facing the city. He praised Hochul for defending the social safety net and securing funding for vital infrastructure amid threats from the federal government.
Mamdani articulated a vision for the Democratic Party rooted in addressing conflicts meaningfully rather than avoiding them. He noted that their partnership exemplifies a model of government built on transparency and competence, aimed at achieving real results for working New Yorkers.
In his conclusion, Mamdani reiterated that the success of their political movement hinges on the effectiveness of their leadership. He firmly believes that transformative leaders, who inspire hope through actionable visions and sustained change, are precisely what New Yorkers need, positioning Hochul as one of those leaders deserving of support in the upcoming 2026 election.