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Last week, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul dominated her sole opponent, current Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, at the Democratic Convention. Held at the Oncenter Carrier Theatre in Syracuse, Hochul received more than 85% of the state committee’s vote, prompting the lieutenant governor to drop out and solidifying her as the party’s primary candidate.

But the overwhelming support from the State Committee and major figures such as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani proves the Democrats have yet to conquer their biggest fear: change.

Historically, Hochul’s center-left philosophy has been a major point of criticism throughout her political career. Her moderate stance has been a turnoff for progressive groups, an issue that has persisted into her current campaign. Organizations such as the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America have refused to back her.

But, Mamdani’s endorsement has boosted her reputation among progressives, despite the fact she has declined to adopt every policy he proposed.

Undeterred by Mamdani’s pleas, Hochul has refused to raise taxes on New York City’s ultra-wealthy, insisting there are other avenues to increase revenue. She has maintained this stance in the face of a $12 billion budget deficit left by the former Adams administration.

Her unwavering position exhibits loyalty towards the top 1%, rather than those who depend on the state’s resources.

Unfortunately, the influence of money on Hochul isn’t limited to the city’s tax policy. During her first term, fossil fuel lobbyists spent more than $16 million attempting to relax the state’s climate restrictions. Their efforts proved to be effective as Hochul began to backtrack on climate initiatives, delay state climate laws and approve a highly controversial natural gas pipeline off the shore of New York City.

The pipeline drew criticism from environmental activists and public figures alike, sparking concerns of pollution and public health among the city’s residents. Furthermore, Davis Polk & Wardell law firm would be representing the owners of the Williams Pipeline – the very law firm where her husband, William Hochal Jr., works – a convenient coincidence for the already wealthy couple.

Hochul’s questionable ties to energy companies and her efforts to protect corporate interests demonstrate the indifference she has towards the people of New York. But the Democratic Party remains willing to support her, highlighting their indifference and inability to change.

Over the past several years, Democrats have failed the public in nearly every aspect imaginable. Their eagerness to keep the status quo – when it’s clearly ineffective – is insulting to everyday Americans who want leaders to better their lives, not line the state’s pockets.

This type of “pay-to-play” system is a major reason Americans feel democracy is broken. Being forced to pick the lesser of two evils does little to inspire confidence in the future of the country.

As of late, Hochul and Mamdani have worked together to bring some beneficial changes. Free childcare initiatives are a great first step to improving the lives of constituents. But we should all take issue with the fact that Hochul doesn’t seem to truly care about improving our lives, only supporting progressive policies when it’s convenient for her to do so.

Hochul’s reelection must act as a warning sign for Democrats across the nation. If we want positive change for this country, we need to use our vote. Electing the same people year after year won’t enact change – it will only further ingrain corruption into the fibers of our political system and send the message that America is fine right where it is.

James Reed is a freshman studying political science. He can be reached at jcreed@syr.edu.

Published on February 11, 2026 at 10:10 pm