Gov. Kathy Hochul’s endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor could help her in next year’s gubernatorial election as much as it helps his quest for City Hall. And it could mean Mamdani would have a much easier time enacting his campaign agenda if he wins in November.

The Buffalo-born governor on Sunday became the most prominent centrist in New York to bless the candidacy of a Democratic socialist to lead the state’s largest city. Hochul stressed that she still has many policy disagreements with Mamdani, but they have a shared focus on affordability.

Political observers said Hochul’s calculus is clear. She secured a narrower-than-expected win in 2022 in part because of lackluster turnout among Democrats in the five boroughs. An alliance with Mamdani could help her win progr

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