Governor Hochul raises $12M but faces weak polls and left-wing pressure to endorse Mamdani, whose socialist plans draw scrutiny.

Hochul’s Fundraising Success Amid Political Turbulence

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has reported nearly $12 million in fundraising for her re-election campaign, highlighting her ability to mobilize grassroots support across all 62 counties in the state. According to her campaign’s July filing, over $4 million will be directed to Hochul’s re-election, with an additional $7 million supporting the New York State Democratic Committee. This marks a modest increase from her previous fundraising period.

Hochul’s campaign manager, Preston Elliott, credited the surge in donations to widespread backing for the governor’s efforts against the Trump administration’s agenda and her promises of a safer, more affordable New York. “Governor Kathy Hochul has seen grassroots support pour in from every single county as she fights back against Donald Trump and delivers real progress,” Elliott stated.

Polls Show Weak Approval as Primary Race Heats Up

Despite her fundraising success, Hochul continues to face lackluster polling. A recent Siena College poll indicated that a majority of New Yorkers want someone else as governor, with half of those surveyed believing the state is headed in the wrong direction. Hochul’s favorability stands underwater at 42%-47%, and although her job approval is slightly positive, she does not surpass 50% in any head-to-head matchup against potential Republican challengers.

Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler, both considering GOP bids for governor, have intensified criticism of Hochul as they weigh their runs. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has launched a Democratic primary challenge, though polling shows he faces steep odds.

Left-Wing Pressure to Back Mamdani Grows

Progressive Democrats are pressing Hochul and other party leaders to endorse Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who recently won the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor, defeating establishment favorite Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani’s victory was seen as a major political upset, making him the first Muslim mayoral nominee in New York City’s history. Hochul has publicly congratulated Mamdani and praised his focus on affordability, but has also voiced concerns about his positions on Israel and public safety, noting business leaders’ worries over future policing under a Mamdani administration.

Socialist Proposals Draw Skepticism from Former Progressives

As Mamdani’s campaign draws attention, critics from across the political spectrum are scrutinizing his policies. Lucy Biggers, a former Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez supporter and climate activist, published an op-ed describing Mamdani’s promises—such as free bus rides, free childcare, and government-run grocery stores—as unrealistic. Biggers noted Mamdani’s charisma and appeal to young voters, but argued that “fantasy” proposals cannot solve complex issues. “They have been mistakenly taught that our capitalist society is the source of all of their problems and that the only way to fix it is with more government spending,” she wrote. Biggers, now a mother and homeowner, said that growing up led her to question the practicality of expansive government programs, warning that such policies inevitably mean higher taxes and more centralized power.

Biggers also recounted her early enthusiasm for Ocasio-Cortez, which faded over time as her life circumstances and views matured. She emphasized that while the intentions behind Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez’s ideas are good, “nothing is free” and government-run solutions are not always the answer.

Looking Ahead: Hochul Balances Party Pressures and Public Opinion

As the 2026 election approaches, Governor Hochul is tasked with balancing calls from progressives to embrace Mamdani’s movement with the practical concerns of voters and the business community. While her fundraising numbers provide campaign strength, weak poll numbers and ideological divides within her party present ongoing challenges. The evolving debate over the future of New York’s leadership and the feasibility of far-left policy ideas is set to dominate the political landscape in the coming months.