Elon Musk sarcastically commented on New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s endorsement of Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist running for New York City mayor, suggesting it signals the party’s progressive shift, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
Musk’s remark came in a post on X Monday quoting a video from a rally where Hochul urged supporters to elect Mamdani to “take back America.” The clip, shared by user @TheChiefNerd, showed the governor speaking amid chants and signs calling for rent freezes, highlighting internal Democratic tensions. Musk wrote, “Zohran is the future of the Democratic Party,” drawing over 3,500 likes and sparking debates on the platform.
The rally, held on October 26 in New York City, featured Hochul alongside progressive figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Hecklers interrupted her speech with chants of “tax the rich,” reflecting ideological divides between the party’s establishment and left wing, as reported by the New York Post. Mamdani’s platform emphasizes taxing high-income earners, expanding affordable housing, and implementing rent controls, which have garnered support from moderates like Hochul despite policy differences.
Hochul first endorsed Mamdani in September 2025, praising his focus on affordability in an opinion piece for The New York Times. “I am confident that Mamdani has the courage, urgency and optimism New York City needs,” she wrote, acknowledging their differences but prioritizing unity against Republican challengers like Curtis Sliwa. The endorsement, covered by Politico and CNN, surprised some observers given Mamdani’s socialist label and past advocacy for defunding the police and closing Rikers Island.
Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Queens, secured the Democratic nomination in a crowded primary, positioning him as a frontrunner for the November 2025 mayoral election. His campaign has raised over $5 million, much from small donors, and includes proposals to build 200,000 affordable units and impose a millionaire’s tax, according to CBS News. Establishment backing, including from Hochul, underscores efforts to consolidate against potential GOP gains in the city.
The video and Musk’s post amplified discussions on the Democratic Party’s direction. Replies on X criticized Mamdani’s policies, with users like @GuntherEagleman calling it a move toward “communism” and @TheRabbitHole84 listing his stances on police funding and education programs. Others, including @stillgray, noted the party’s embrace of socialism post-2024 elections.
This comes amid national debates on Democratic strategy, with Mamdani’s rise seen as a test for progressive influence. Polls show him leading with 52 percent support, per a recent Siena College survey, though critics argue his platform could alienate moderates. The mayoral race, featuring former Gov. Andrew Cuomo as an independent, remains competitive, with Election Day on November 5.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
