Hochul Responds to Criticism of Mayor Mamdani During Gubernatorial Debate

<p>New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul did not directly defend New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a gubernatorial debate on October 13, 2026, after her Republican challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, accused him of being antisemitic, anti-Christian, and un-American.</p><p>Blakeman criticized Mamdani for signing an executive order that he claimed diluted the definition of antisemitism, stating, "Shame on you, mayor." He further accused Hochul of endorsing someone who does not believe in American values, asserting that Mamdani's views on collectivism threaten personal property rights and that he failed to attend the installation of a new archbishop in New York City.</p><p>Hochul chose to address a previous question regarding Blakeman's comments made in a private meeting about the NYPD's response to potential violence against the Jewish community under Mamdani's leadership. Blakeman contested her interpretation of the meeting but acknowledged Mamdani's decision to retain Jessica Tisch as NYPD commissioner.</p><p>Blakeman reiterated his claims, stating, "Antisemitism is on the rise, and it's occurred under your watch, and Zohran Mamdani is fueling it," before the debate shifted to other topics.</p><p>Following the debate, Republicans highlighted the exchange on social media. Kristin Cianci, Northeast Communications Director for the Republican National Committee, stated on X, "Zohran Mamdani is an antisemite, he’s anti-Christian, and he’s anti-American. And Kathy Hochul is campaigning with him. What an utter disgrace. New York deserves better." The New York Republican Party echoed this sentiment, stating, "Zohran Mamdani is an antisemite, anti-Christian and anti-American, and he's Kathy Hochul's best friend."</p><p>On October 14, 2026, Hochul responded to questions about the debate during a press conference regarding the state's investment in a community center in Jackson Heights. She remarked, "I’m not going to take the bait from someone who’s throwing out such insane arguments," and emphasized that she rejects Blakeman's characterization of Mamdani. Hochul stated, "The mayor and I are great partners, we’re working hard together. And I’m not gonna give him the dignity of responding to those kind of crazy comments."</p><p>The debate also covered various issues, including President Donald Trump, a recent ICE-involved shooting, energy prices, and inflation. Despite the Democratic majority in New York, recent polling indicated that Blakeman has narrowed his deficit against Hochul to single digits, with a Siena College poll showing Hochul at 50% support among likely voters and Blakeman at 41% as of September 11-17, 2026. Voters also indicated by a 50%-30% margin that they view Mamdani's support for Hochul positively for her re-election campaign.</p>