‘Pay attention to New York, not Israel’: Gov. Kathy Hochul advises NYC Mayor Mamdani in rift

New York Governor Kathy Hochul advised NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani to prioritize city governance over Israel in a New York Times interview, highlighting an internal Democratic rift. Hochul reaffirmed her commitment to combating antisemitism, described herself as a 'Biden Democrat,' and rejected concerns that socialist primary victories threaten the party. She emphasized shared goals with Mamdani on child care, bus speeds, and housing, while facing Republican Bruce Blakeman in the upcoming election. The article notes Hochul's past apology for implying Israel would be justified in destroying Gaza but omits Mamdani's response and specific voter sentiment data.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, in a New York Times interview, advised NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani to focus on city governance rather than Israel, amid a deepening Democratic rift over the issue. Hochul, a centrist Democrat running for reelection, said she has 'intervened' to prevent the destruction of a nearly century-old synagogue in Brooklyn and reaffirmed her commitment to Jewish safety, stating, 'I will throw my body against any antisemitism.' She described herself as a 'Biden Democrat' and rejected the premise that socialist primary victories across the nation threaten the party, welcoming the energy they represent. The governor highlighted shared priorities with Mamdani, including expanding child care, improving bus speeds, and building housing. Hochul will face Republican Bruce Blakeman in November's election.