Hochul Backs Mayor Mamdani's Decision to Keep Tisch as NYPD Commissioner

Governor Kathy Hochul publicly supported Mayor Zohran Mamdani's decision to retain Jessica Tisch as NYPD Commissioner, dismissing calls from within Mamdani's political base to remove her. Hochul stated that Mamdani's choice was a "smart decision," highlighting Tisch's effectiveness in combating crime and corruption in New York City.

"I support his decision to confirm that she should remain," Hochul told reporters. "That is a smart decision." She credited Tisch with contributing to a significant decrease in crime, noting the "safest summer in New York subway history" as a testament to her leadership.

Mamdani has faced internal pressure from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), his political allies, to dismiss Tisch. This pressure intensified following an incident on October 8 involving the shooting of an individual by ICE agents in the Bronx, which led to protests and renewed calls for federal immigration agencies to leave the city. National DSA leaders subsequently demanded that Mamdani fire Tisch and disband two specialized NYPD units, urging the mayor to expel ICE from New York City.

Mamdani, however, has maintained his support for Tisch, emphasizing her role in overseeing a notable reduction in violent crime across the city. He stated that he has no plans to change leadership within his administration, including the position of police commissioner.

Governor Hochul also referenced the issue during her debate with Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, expressing her support for Tisch and her management of the NYPD.