Trump Condemns Hochul's Mamdani Endorsement: NYC Mayor Race Explodes

President Trump has unleashed a scathing attack on New York Governor Kathy Hochul's endorsement of Zohran Mamdani in the upcoming NYC mayoral election. Referring to Mamdani as a "Communist," Trump called Hochul's decision a "shocking development, and a very bad one for New York City." He questioned the financial implications, adding, "Washington will be watching this situation very closely. No reason to be sending good money after bad!"

Hochul, in a recent New York Times op-ed, defended her endorsement, acknowledging differences with Mamdani but highlighting his "optimism" and shared focus on affordability and public safety. She reiterated these points in a statement on Monday.

This isn't Trump's first foray into the NYC mayoral race. Reports suggest his administration explored job offers for both Mayor Eric Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa to create a one-on-one contest between Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Trump previously criticized Sliwa's "affinity for cats" and deemed him "not exactly prime time."

Reactions and Fallout

Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa called Hochul's endorsement a "tremendous flip flop." Meanwhile, a recent New York Times/Siena College poll shows Mamdani widening his lead, followed by Cuomo, Sliwa, and Adams.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, a likely challenger to Hochul in the next gubernatorial race, seized the opportunity to criticize Hochul's endorsement, linking it to policies she deems radical. Mamdani, however, expressed gratitude for Hochul's support, emphasizing shared goals regarding affordability and public safety.

The endorsement's significance lies in its potential to sway other hesitant top Democrats, such as Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, to endorse Mamdani.

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