Hochul Endorsed Jacobs for State Party Chair
Governor Kathy Hochul announced her support for Jay Jacobs to continue as the New York State Democratic Party chairman.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Political Parties
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Governor Kathy Hochul has officially endorsed current New York State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs for reelection. Jacobs, who has led the state party for a decade, is facing a challenge from Otsego County Democratic leader Caitlin Ogden.
Why it matters
The race reflects internal party divisions following the 2025 mayoral campaign, during which Jacobs declined to endorse primary winner Zohran Mamdani. The upcoming vote will determine the direction of the party regarding policy stances and candidate endorsements.
The party leadership position carries a two-year term, with 480 state Democratic committee members set to decide the outcome. Jacobs currently serves as chairman for both the state party and the Nassau County Democratic Party.
The players
Kathy Hochul
She is the Governor of New York and has served in the role since 2021.
Jay Jacobs
He is the incumbent New York State Democratic Party chairman who also leads the Nassau County Democratic Party.
Caitlin Ogden
She serves as the Democratic leader for Otsego County and is challenging the incumbent for the state chairmanship.
Zohran Mamdani
He is a politician who defeated Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary for mayor during the 2025 campaign.
Andrew Cuomo
He is a former Governor of New York who ran on an independent ballot line in the 2025 general election.
The details
Caitlin Ogden is campaigning on a platform to make the party more responsive to the will of the voters. Disagreements within the party remain centered on policy positions and views on Israel that surfaced during the recent mayoral election.
Timeline
In 2025, Zohran Mamdani ran for mayor.
Last fall, Jay Jacobs announced his intent to run for reelection.
September 19, 2026, Kathy Hochul stated her support for Jay Jacobs.
October 1, 2026, state Democratic committee members will vote on the chairmanship.
Political Context
Critics of the incumbent argue that the party leadership has become disconnected from grassroots activists. This pushback highlights a broader debate between establishment figures and insurgent candidates over the future of the Democratic platform in New York.
The outcome of this vote will determine which policies the state party prioritizes and which candidates it chooses to back in future elections. Residents may notice shifts in how the party allocates resources and coordinates campaigning efforts across different counties.
The takeaway
The race for the state party chairmanship serves as a crucial bellwether for party unity heading into the next election cycle. Voters and activists should monitor the upcoming committee vote to see if the party maintains its current leadership or shifts toward a new direction.
What happens next
State Democratic committee members are scheduled to vote on the chairmanship on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local political environment in the Political Parties section.
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