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**Hochul Endorses Pro-Palestinian Candidate Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race Amidst Democratic Division**

**New York, NY** – In a significant move that highlights divisions within the Democratic Party, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed Zohran Mamdani, a staunch pro-Palestinian candidate, for mayor of New York City. The endorsement comes amidst a contentious race where Mamdani, a democratic socialist, holds a substantial lead in the polls, despite some prominent Democrats remaining hesitant to offer their support.

Hochul, in an op-ed in *The New York Times*, cited “frank conversations” with Mamdani and a shared commitment to affordability and safety in the city as reasons for her endorsement. Mamdani, a 33-year-old left-wing politician, has campaigned on promises of free buses and rent freezes for subsidized tenants.

The race is further complicated by the continued candidacy of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a pro-Israel candidate, who is significantly behind Mamdani in the polls. Some leading Democrats have so far held back from endorsing Mamdani. Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized his Democratic colleagues for their reluctance, calling it “spineless politics.”

Adding another layer of intrigue, former President Donald Trump has weighed in on the race, calling Mamdani’s poll lead a “rebellion against bad candidates” and derisively labeling him “my little communist mayor.” He also dismissed Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, while Mamdani has painted incumbent Mayor Eric Adams as a puppet of Trump. Recent polling data shows Mamdani with a significant lead over Cuomo, Sliwa, and Adams, setting the stage for a potentially transformative election in November.

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