NY Democratic Party chair refuses to back Mamdani as Hochul endorsement widens rift
Governor's endorsement of Mamdani exposes a divide with state party chair ahead of November elections
New York's Democratic Party is grappling with a public split after Jay Jacobs, the longtime chair of the state party, declined to back Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race. Gov. Kathy Hochul's endorsement of Mamdani over the weekend underscored a rare rift between the governor and the party's top organizer. Jacobs said he has unbridgeable differences with Mamdani and does not believe the nominee's policy positions align with Democratic Party principles, including on Israel and core economic issues.
Mamdani and his supporters are seen as representing the party's left wing, while Jacobs has long been identified with more moderate, suburban Democratic officials. In declining to endorse Mamdani, Jacobs rejected the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America and cited fundamental disagreements over how to address income inequality and other priorities.
Sources described Hochul's endorsement as a complicating factor for Jacobs, with talk already circulating about whether the party chair would remain in his post. Some officials said Hochul was urging him to stay, while others suggested the strain could push him toward stepping down. The episode has widened fears among some Democrats that the party's leadership is out of step with the voters of New York City.
Reaction from party figures was swift. State Sen. Mike Gianaris called Jacobs's decision disgraceful, arguing that the chair should back the voters' chosen candidate. Other party insiders said Jacobs's stance appeared out of step with the party's current strategic needs. A Hochul campaign spokesperson noted that discussions about the party's leadership were ongoing but did not detail any immediate changes.
Jacobs's position reflects a broader divide inside the Empire State's Democratic ranks, a split that could complicate midterm efforts on Long Island where some incumbents face tight races. Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen have publicly opposed Mamdani, highlighting how intra-party disagreements could influence down-ballot contests.
The rift comes as party figures weigh how leadership at the state level will be shaped moving forward. Jacobs has led the party since 2019, a period that began after Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned and Hochul took office. The current disagreement mirrors a wider debate over the direction of Democratic policy in a state that has often been seen as a laboratory for activist priorities.
Controversy also touched internal party data access. Some people familiar with the matter said Jacobs had allowed former Gov. Cuomo access to the party's voter database after Cuomo left the primary and pursued an independent bid, and it was reported that Mayor Eric Adams had similar access. The contracts for such data support typically run through the general election.
Mamdani remains polarizing beyond New York City, limiting his appeal among many Democrats outside the city and raising questions about electability in a wider race. The party's internal tensions will likely shape how the city’s next mayor functions and how Democrats position themselves for November.
