Hochul Pumps The Brakes On Mamdani’s
Hochul Hesitant on Mamdani’s $700M Free Bus Plan
Governor Kathy Hochul voiced hesitation about Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s $700 million proposal to make New York City buses free,
warning it could strain state finances. Speaking at the SOMOS retreat in Puerto Rico,
she cited recent MTA funding as a reason for caution.
Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, responded that he remains “optimistic”
about improving transit and thanked Hochul for her partnership.
Still, the exchange underscored growing friction between the
governor’s moderate approach and the party’s progressive wing.
Though Hochul endorsed Mamdani during his campaign,
she’s since distanced herself from his tax and spending proposals,
including plans for free child care and expanded social programs.
With legislative leaders showing more openness to Mamdani’s ideas,
Hochul faces pressure from activists but continues to stress “fiscal prudence.”
Her stance could shape both her 2026 re-election campaign and the future of New York’s affordability agenda.
