Mamdani-Supporting Kathy Hochul Dumps Cold Water On One Of His Key Policies

Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) may have endorsed the Democratic Mayor-elect of New York City, but she’s making it clear that she’s not all-in on his progressive policy proposals — especially if they would place a greater burden on a system that is already strapped.

Hochul endorsed Zohran Mamdani — a self-described Democratic socialist — despite his unwillingness to do the same for her, but she said on Saturday that she couldn’t get on board with his calls for free buses in New York City.

WATCH:

Kathy Kochul says no to Zohran Mamdani’s
free NYC bus plan. The transit system relies on the fares to function. pic.twitter.com/52xgCMxCrA

— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) November 9, 2025

“I cannot set forth a plan right now that takes money out of a system that relies on the fares of the busses and the subways,” she said during a Saturday press conference. “But can we find a path to make it more affordable for people who need help? of course we can.”

Hochul went on to say that she’d had a number of conversations with Mamdani and that she wanted to work with him where she could — but that she wasn’t going to suddenly change her position on an issue solely due to public pressure.

WATCH:

NEWS: @GovKathyHochul right now is a no on @ZohranKMamdani’s free bus promise.

“I cannot set forth a plan right now that takes money out of a system that relies on the fares of the busses and the subways.”

She’s then pressed on “Tax the Rich” chants: pic.twitter.com/M0wa9SEDMA

— Bernadette Hogan (@bern_hogan) November 8, 2025

“We’re aligned on some of these issues. I’ve made it clear where I have strong disagreements with issues that really do not pertain to the governance of New York City,” she continued. “I’m looking forward to having our teams keep the conversation — a lot of conversations going with our teams.”

She went on to say that her current focus was doing whatever she could to prevent an influx of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in New York City.