Kathy Hochul Nearly ‘Booed Off Stage,’ Turns It Into Her Own ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ Moment [WATCH]

New York Governor Kathy Hochul faced an awkward moment during a campaign appearance with state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani when she was loudly heckled by supporters chanting “tax the rich” as she stood on stage.

The incident occurred over the weekend during a rally in Queens, where Hochul appeared to lend her support to Mamdani’s election bid.

Videos from the event show the crowd repeatedly shouting the slogan while Hochul stood beside the assemblyman.

As the chants grew louder, Mamdani approached the governor and appeared to escort her off the stage.

.@KathyHochul almost got booed off stage to chants of “TAX THE RICH”—& forced @ZohranKMamdani on stage early to calm the crowd.

During her speech, largely critical of DC, intermittent heckling culminated.

Then Mamdani came out, grabbed her hand, raised it & walked her out. pic.twitter.com/A8NzxTgO8S

— Bernadette Hogan (@bern_hogan) October 26, 2025

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The moment quickly spread online, with critics describing the exchange as a public embarrassment for the governor and a sign of growing tensions within the New York Democratic Party.

When questioned about the incident Monday, Hochul attempted to clarify what she thought she had heard. Speaking to a reporter from the New York Post, Hochul said she initially believed the crowd was cheering for the Buffalo Bills football team.

“I thought they were saying ‘Let’s Go Bills,’” she said.

“I wasn’t sure… I heard some noise, I heard a lot of cheers. But later on it became clear to me, I know there is a passion for that.”

Gov. Hochul claims she didn’t know what the crowd was chanting last night.

“I thought they were saying, ‘Let’s Go Bills.’” https://t.co/shZ684reGP pic.twitter.com/se1MX2nwJs

— Craig McCarthy (@createcraig) October 27, 2025

The explanation drew widespread attention across New York political circles and social media, where many observers questioned whether Hochul could have mistaken the chant.

Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has been a vocal advocate for higher taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and large corporations.

His “Tax the Rich” campaign slogan has been featured prominently in rallies and legislative proposals calling for increased state revenue through progressive taxation.

Hochul’s decision to campaign with Mamdani highlighted the Democratic governor’s balancing act between the party’s moderate wing and its increasingly vocal socialist faction.

The confrontation comes as Hochul faces growing political pressure ahead of the next gubernatorial race.

The #BillsMafia won’t forget

What a trainwreck @KathyHochul is every single day. https://t.co/dBgS5giRI2

— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) October 27, 2025

Recent polling has shown a tightening margin between Hochul and Republican challenger Elise Stefanik, who has served as chair of the House Republican Conference.

New – Governor Poll – New York

🔴 Stefanik 43%
🔵 Hochul (Incumbent) 42%

Manhattan institute #C – RV – 10/26 pic.twitter.com/0RQdRcLH39

— Political Polls (@PpollingNumbers) October 28, 2025

Stefanik’s rising profile and focus on economic issues have made her a formidable opponent in what could become one of the most closely watched state contests in the country.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has also warned that the Democratic Party risks alienating moderate voters by embracing candidates from the Democratic Socialists of America.

In recent interviews, Cuomo cited figures such as Mamdani in New York and Omar Fateh in Minneapolis as examples of a movement that could damage the party’s long-term viability.

The DSA has gained influence in several major metropolitan areas, including New York City, by supporting progressive candidates in local and state elections.

Mamdani, who represents the 36th Assembly District in Queens, has championed rent control expansions, climate initiatives, and redistribution measures that have placed him at odds with more centrist Democrats.

Hochul’s appearance alongside Mamdani was intended to demonstrate party unity but instead drew renewed attention to ideological rifts among New York Democrats.

Kathy Hochul after getting off stage, having embraced socialism and raising taxes: https://t.co/9jbrf2E3x1 pic.twitter.com/fEzeqCZKZS

— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) October 27, 2025

The governor has not issued any further statements regarding the rally incident or her comments to the Post.

The event marks the latest in a series of challenges for Hochul as she navigates pressure from both the left and right while managing a divided legislature and a struggling state economy.