New York Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City, giving the young candidate a major establishment boost.

Hochul praised Mamdani’s focus on affordable living and safe neighborhoods, despite disagreements over tax increases and his stance on Israel.

The endorsement comes amid political pressure from the Democratic Party’s left flank and follows President Trump’s attempts to influence the race in favor of Andrew Cuomo, Politico has reported.

While boosting Mamdani, the move carries political risks, with Republicans and some Democrats criticizing Hochul for backing a candidate they claim is far-left and controversial.