The Working Families Party, a progressive third party in New York State, has opted out of backing either Governor Kathy Hochul or her leftist challenger Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado in the upcoming primary. This decision was made after an intense debate at the party's statewide convention on Saturday night, highlighting their reluctance to support Hochul, who is seeking reelection and is perceived as a moderate Democrat.
Despite securing endorsements from prominent progressives like Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Working Families Party was unable to sway its members with these high-profile supporters. The party has historically pushed for more progressive policies, particularly when it comes to taxation of the rich. However, Hochul's recent policies on childcare and immigration have been seen as a step in the right direction by some, although the party remains unmoved.
Hochul's proposals, including funding for two-year-olds in New York City and legislation to ban local police collaboration with ICE, were deemed "meaningful progress" by Working Families Party co-directors Ana Maria Archila and Jasmine Gripper. However, they also made it clear that their stance on taxation remains unchanged: they believe the wealthiest Americans must contribute more to social programs like childcare.
Hochul has consistently opposed higher taxes, which would be necessary for the party's agenda. Mamdani's endorsement of Hochul is seen as a pragmatic move, but he acknowledges that he and the governor disagree on key issues, particularly taxation of the wealthy. This suggests that the pressure campaign from the left may not entirely cease, despite the Working Families Party's decision.
With its endorsement, the Working Families Party leaves Hochul and Delgado to face the primary without significant backing from one of New York State's most influential progressive groups.
Despite securing endorsements from prominent progressives like Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Working Families Party was unable to sway its members with these high-profile supporters. The party has historically pushed for more progressive policies, particularly when it comes to taxation of the rich. However, Hochul's recent policies on childcare and immigration have been seen as a step in the right direction by some, although the party remains unmoved.
Hochul's proposals, including funding for two-year-olds in New York City and legislation to ban local police collaboration with ICE, were deemed "meaningful progress" by Working Families Party co-directors Ana Maria Archila and Jasmine Gripper. However, they also made it clear that their stance on taxation remains unchanged: they believe the wealthiest Americans must contribute more to social programs like childcare.
Hochul has consistently opposed higher taxes, which would be necessary for the party's agenda. Mamdani's endorsement of Hochul is seen as a pragmatic move, but he acknowledges that he and the governor disagree on key issues, particularly taxation of the wealthy. This suggests that the pressure campaign from the left may not entirely cease, despite the Working Families Party's decision.
With its endorsement, the Working Families Party leaves Hochul and Delgado to face the primary without significant backing from one of New York State's most influential progressive groups.
. The Working Families Party just pulled out a major 180 on Kathy Hochul, and it's like they're showing off their independence 
. I get why they're hesitant to back her - moderation can be a tricky thing for progressives 
. But honestly, who doesn't love seeing AOC endorse someone? 
It's like the ultimate seal of approval 
.
. And can we talk about how frustrating it is when your values don't align with the people you're supporting? 
It's like, I get that politics is all about compromise, but sometimes I just wish they'd take a stand on something already 
.
. But maybe it's time for them to find someone who shares their vision? 
. And now Hochul's gonna be in the primary with Delgado and who knows how that'll go? The Working Families Party should at least try to influence things or their endorsement means nothing 
. I guess it's just another example of how parties can't always agree even when they're on the same side 
- she's gotta navigate this tricky situation without a major party behind her, especially since they're not afraid to speak up and push for change 
. I mean, it's like, their stance on taxation is super clear: the rich gotta pay more, you know? 
? The Working Families Party is all about results, not just words.
. Will Hochul find a way to win without their support? And what does this mean for Delgado's chances? Guess we'll have to wait and see 
. Hochul's proposals do seem like a step in the right direction, especially when it comes to childcare 
. but i guess you can't always get everyone to see eye-to-eye, even within the same party 
.
the WFP has traditionally been all about taxing the rich, so if they were gonna flip, you'd think it'd be a bigger deal 
62% of NY voters believe the top 1% should contribute more to social programs 
that's a pretty significant chunk of the electorate 
. Hochul might have some decent ideas, like childcare funding, but if she's going to support the status quo on taxation, then why bother? It's just a weak attempt at appeasing both sides