Left embraces Hochul, betting on pragmatism over purity

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has won endorsements from left leaders Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Zohran Mamdani, signaling a pragmatic shift as the Democratic left moves from purity politics to governing power; Hochul’s ability to broker deals—on issues like no-cost child care and tax increases on the wealthy—puts her at the center of the party’s evolution, though tensions with Delgado and progressive critics remain and could test the alliance.