NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani refuses to endorse Gov. Hochul at debate

NEW YORK, New York – New York City Socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani ignited a political storm Thursday night when he refused to support Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in a debate after she had previously supported him.

“That’s a decision that should be made after this general election,” Mamdani said during a debate with former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa when the candidates were asked to raise their hands if they supported the governor.

“So I’m focusing on November,” Mamdani told reporters Friday when asked about his non-support.

“I am less than three weeks away from the election that we have been preparing for over a year, and that is why I have not provided any support beyond November.”

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Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a town hall debate Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, swimming pool)

Mamdani’s comment came as a surprise to some given that Hochul approved Mamdani last month, after facing pressure from many in her party to join the leading candidate in New York’s mayoral race.

“New York City deserves a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers,” Hochul said during his announcement of support. “It’s @ZohranKMamdani.”

Mamdani’s comment on the debate stage drew sharp rebukes from the Republican candidate Hochul, as well as many commenters on social media, suggesting that Hochul had miscalculated in endorsing Mamdani.

“Degrading and humiliating,” Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is expected to run against Hochul for governor, said of Mamdani’s decision not to publicly support Hochul.

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New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, file)

“Jihadist and terrorist sympathizer Commie Mamdani’s team threatened @kathyhochul with a primary if she didn’t get on her knees and support him,” Stefanik continued. “Hochul quickly relented and now carries his anti-Semitic and communist Defund the Police platform.”

“New Yorkers know how politically weak Hochul is. Mamdani confirmed that last night by refusing to support her,” Stefanik added.

In a press release, Stefanik called Hochul the “biggest loser” of the debate, given that none of the three candidates said they supported her.

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Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., questions Columbia University President Nemat Shafik during the House Committee on Education and Workforce hearing. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

“Zohran Mamdani REFUSES to support Kathy Hochul’s reelection even after she endorsed him,” a Republican National Committee account posted on X, along with a clown emoji.

“LMAO,” Republican Congressman Mike Lawler posted on X. “No one believes @GovKathyHochul should be re-elected.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to Hochul’s campaign for comment.