Lining Up

Good morning from Buffalo, New York. 

Governor Kathy Hochul made news last week with her endorsement of Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for New York City Mayor. In an op-ed in the New York Times—and, significantly, not in person—Hochul highlighted areas where she and Mamdani are aligned, writing, “But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family. I heard a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable—a goal I enthusiastically support.” 

Hochul also stressed Mamdani’s credentials and potential in standing up to President Donald Trump. Two significant issues in New York City, for sure, but also very important to the Democratic base. Further mention was made of their shared commitment to public safety and fighting antisemitism, areas where Mamdani has faced criticism, especially from his electoral opponents, and where he has been working to build his credentials since the primary campaign.

The endorsement by the state’s highest-ranking Democrat is a major win for Mamdani, especially when others in the Democratic establishment are keeping him at arm's length. In response to Hochul’s endorsement, Mamdani said, “I'm excited to welcome Governor Hochul to our movement and to show the partnership at hand between City Hall and Albany in fighting to make the most expensive city in the United States of America affordable.” The alliance makes good politics for both Hochul and Mamdani, but it is also a smart government move for Hochul, who has made cooperation with the New York City Mayor a key element of her governance.

Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY), another moderate member also representing a swing district on Long Island, followed Suozzi in rejecting Mamdani, offering, “I’ve made my position clear from the start: I completely disagree with the Governor’s endorsement of Mr. Mamdani. Long Islanders are already facing a cost-of-living crisis and the last thing they can afford is Zohran Mamdani’s reckless agenda. We need to bring down costs, cut taxes, and keep our communities safe. Zohran Mamdani cannot deliver on any of those goals.” 

Jay Jacobs, the New York State and Nassau County Democratic Chair, has declined to endorse Mamdani, creating additional drama. Some Democrats are going the full anti-Mamdani: Brooklyn Democrat Jaime Williams, the Assembly Member for the 59th Assembly District, endorsed Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa. 

With Hochul (and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins) on Team Mamdani, the pressure will only continue to grow on other prominent Democrats, most notably Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Asked about Hochul’s endorsement, Jeffries said, “The governor’s endorsement of Zohran Mamdani speaks for itself, and you should ask the governor about her endorsement of Zohran Mamdani,” but a spokesperson did say Jeffries would have an unspecified announcement about the race “in short order.” 

The Special Election to replace outgoing North Country Assemblyman Billy Jones (D) will be held on November 4th to coincide with the General Election. Jones, who seriously considered a run for New York’s 21st Congressional District when it appeared Rep. Elise Stefanik was heading to Turtle Bay, will lead Clinton Community College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. Jones’s absence will be a real loss in the Assembly, where he was a strong voice for reason and common sense and a fierce advocate for the North Country. The local Democratic County Chairs have nominated Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman, while the Republicans are fielding retired New York State Police Commander Brent Davison. 

-Jack O’Donnell

OD&A was proud to support our client, Endeavor Health Services, at this year’s Breakfast and Baskets fundraiser. This year’s event theme was “Building Community,” highlighting the importance of creating connections and fostering relationships within our community. Proceeds will fund Endeavor’s new facility on the East Side of Buffalo, which will enhance access to high-quality mental health and substance use services for the community.

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