The New York State Democratic Party re-elected Jay Jacobs as party chairman Thursday, despite his refusal to endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor last year.
Jacobs captured 82% of the vote from party committee members, while Otsego County Democratic Party Chair Caitlin Ogden earned 14%, with another 4% abstaining.
Gov. Kathy Hochul backed Jacobs’ re-election, while some insiders hope to give him the boot over the Mamdani snub.
The party boss is a staunch supporter of Israel, while Hizzoner has infamously denounced the Jewish State and even called for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Mr. Mamdani and I are in agreement that America’s greatest problem is the continued growth in income disparity in our nation,” Jacobs said during the mayoral election. “On how to address it – we fundamentally disagree.
“Furthermore, as I expressed to him directly, I strongly disagree with his views on the State of Israel, along with certain key policy positions.”
Jacobs, who is also the Nassau County Democratic leader, is considered a moderate voice in a party that has shifted left, with the victories of democratic socialists including Mamdani for mayor and candidates Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez for Congress.
He has served as the state chairman in two stints over 10 years under former Gov. David Paterson, Cuomo and now Hochul. His election win means he’ll serve another two-year term.
“I am honored to be re-elected as New York State Democratic Party Chairman and ready to build on the success we have made to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot,” Jacobs said following the party committee meeting in Tarrytown.
“We are a diverse and united party, and we have candidates all across the state who are standing up to Donald Trump’s attacks on our state and fighting for New York families. I am excited to continue working with the phenomenal leaders who are going to lead us to victory in November.”
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