New York Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race on Sept. 14, saying on social media that the city "deserves a mayor who will stand up to Donald Trump and make life more affordable for New Yorkers."

The governor's endorsement was announced in a New York Times op-ed, in which Hochul — a moderate Democrat — detailed what led to her decision and her conversations with the state assemblyman. She is the latest high-profile Democrat to endorse Mamdani, 33, following his upset victory in the June Democratic primary.

Mamdani's shocking primary win against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo had sent shockwaves among New York's Democratic establishment. Hochul initially declined to endorse Mamdani, who has been working to get endorsements from party leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

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