What’s going on here?
Kathy Hochul Left Off Several Long Island Democratic Campaign Websites
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is leading the Democratic ticket heading into November’s elections, but her name is missing from the endorsement pages of several Democratic candidates running on Long Island.
The omissions have sparked questions about whether some local Democrats are choosing to keep their distance from the governor as competitive races heat up across the region.
Among those who do not prominently feature Hochul on their campaign websites are U.S. Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, along with congressional candidate Chris Gallant and several candidates seeking state and local office.
Democratic Insider Suggests Political Strategy
One Democratic source told the New York Post that some campaigns may believe highlighting Hochul’s support would do little to help them with Long Island voters.
The source argued that Hochul’s relationship with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani could be a factor, claiming some suburban Democrats are hesitant to embrace the governor because of her ties to the progressive mayor.
Those comments reflect the opinion of the source and have not been confirmed by the campaigns involved.
Several Candidates Highlight Other Endorsements
Rep. Tom Suozzi’s campaign website features endorsements from labor unions and advocacy organizations but does not list Hochul or other elected officials. Suozzi previously challenged Hochul in the 2022 Democratic primary for governor.
Rep. Laura Gillen highlights endorsements from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Rep. Greg Meeks, and Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar. Hochul is not included among those listed.
Congressional candidate Chris Gallant promotes support from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Pat Ryan and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg while also leaving Hochul off his endorsement page.
The same pattern appears in several state and local races.
Assembly candidate Kim Keiserman lists endorsements from more than 20 current and former elected officials, including State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Rep. Tom Suozzi, Rep. Grace Meng, Assemblyman Charles Lavine, and state Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs. Hochul is not among the names displayed.
Assembly candidate Craig Herskowitz highlights endorsements from organizations including Moms Demand Action and Planned Parenthood but likewise does not feature the governor.
Joe Scianablo, who is seeking the Hempstead Town supervisor position, and Sean McCarthy, a candidate for North Hempstead supervisor, also do not feature endorsements from Gov. Kathy Hochul on their campaign websites.
State Democratic Chairman Pushes Back
New York Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs rejected the suggestion that Hochul is being sidelined.
Jacobs said Nassau County Democrats have officially endorsed the governor and expressed confidence that she will perform well on Long Island in November.
He also said polling he has reviewed shows Hochul leading in Nassau County and argued that her policy positions are receiving stronger support than those of Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.
Long Island Remains a Competitive Political Battleground
Despite Jacobs’ confidence, recent election results illustrate the political challenges Democrats continue to face on Long Island.
In the 2022 gubernatorial election, former Congressman Lee Zeldin carried Nassau County by more than 10 percentage points and won neighboring Suffolk County by roughly 17 points.
Even some Democratic sources reportedly acknowledged that while Hochul may be in a stronger position than she was four years ago, defeating Blakeman in a region where Republicans have recently performed well will likely remain a difficult task.
Hochul Campaign Says Democrats Are United
Hochul’s campaign dismissed suggestions of divisions within the party.
Campaign spokesman Ryan Radulovacki said the governor is leading a coordinated statewide effort focused on electing Democrats across New York. According to the campaign, organizers are already active in every region of the state ahead of November’s election.
Radulovacki also criticized Blakeman’s record, accusing him of raising property taxes, supporting immigration enforcement policies opposed by Democrats, and taking actions the campaign says weakened cooperation with local law enforcement.
The Bottom Line
While Gov. Kathy Hochul remains the Democratic nominee for governor, her absence from several Long Island Democratic campaign websites has fueled debate over campaign strategy in one of New York’s most competitive political regions.
Whether the omissions reflect local political calculations or routine campaign decisions, the issue is likely to remain part of the conversation as Democrats and Republicans compete for suburban voters heading toward Election Day.
