New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she sees "areas of alignment" with Democratic-socialist assemblyman Zohran Mamdani and would be willing to work with him if he wins November’s New York City mayoral election. The remarks, made during a Fox News interview, mark the clearest signal yet that the governor could tacitly back Mamdani despite having served as Andrew Cuomo’s lieutenant governor. Cuomo, who entered the general election as an independent after losing the June Democratic primary to Mamdani, has intensified personal attacks on the frontrunner. His campaign and allied donors have highlighted Mamdani’s Queens rent-stabilized apartment, which costs about $2,300 a month—far below the citywide average of roughly $4,400—and questioned whether a lawmaker earning more than $140,000 should occupy a regulated unit. Supporters of the former governor are reportedly courting wealthy enclaves for funding to blunt Mamdani’s lead. Housing affordability has become the central fault line in the race. Mamdani is pledging a citywide rent freeze and broader rent-stabilization coverage, while Cuomo argues the policy would deter new construction. Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly joined the fray, warning that a Mamdani victory could lead to deep cuts in police funding and "major" public-safety consequences. Despite the criticism, polls show Mamdani ahead of both Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an independent. The assemblyman has sought to broaden his progressive coalition, endorsing Representative Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey’s 2025 governor contest. Hochul stressed she will "work with whomever the voters elect," but her comments added momentum to a campaign already defined by sharp debate over how to make New York City more affordable.