Perhaps no dynamic defines politics in New York State and New York City in 2026 more than the relationship between Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The Mayor needs the Governor’s help to accomplish many of the key pillars of his agenda, and the two have already signaled clear areas of agreement and key points of friction.

On this episode, we discuss the promise and potential pitfalls of this relationship with Christina Greer, who understands New York politics as well as anyone. She is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University and the co-host of the popular podcast FAQ NYC.

And we also speak with NYCLU Assistant Director of Policy Michael Sisitzky who explains some of the top civil rights issues that Hochul and Mamdani must reckon with.

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Resources:

Listen to Christina's podcast, FAQ NYC: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faq-nyc/id1422065980

NYCLU Mayoral Agenda: https://www.nyclu.org/report/a-civil-rights-agenda-for-the-next-mayor-of-new-york-city

A civil liberties agenda for NY State: https://www.nyclu.org/report/rising-to-the-historical-moment-a-new-york-civil-rights-agenda-for-2026

NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman arguing for the NY for All Act in the Albany Times Union: https://www.nyclu.org/commentary/ny-for-all-act-is-the-best-way-to-protect-immigrants-and-communities

For more on everything we discuss in this episode, visit www.nyclu.org/

For transcripts and additional information on the episodes, visit www.nyclu.org/podcasts

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