Progressive Blocs Demand Tax Hikes From Hochul
The Working Families Party’s vote share rose 39 percent, emboldening allies who seek higher taxes on the wealthy and stronger immigrant protections.
By Jonathan Hoffmann ·
New York politics are shifting left as progressive organizations press Governor Kathy Hochul to fund social services with higher taxes on the wealthy.
Hochul, a moderate Democrat, secured a four-year term with a coalition that includes the Working Families Party and groups aligned with left-leaning ideas. These partners expect their electoral support to translate into policy changes, specifically more affordable housing, universal childcare, and expanded protections for immigrants.
Preliminary state election board data shows the Working Families Party contributed 364,052 votes for Hochul and Vice Governor Adrienne Adams. That figure represents a 39 percent increase over the 261,323 votes the group delivered in 2022. Hochul’s total vote count stood at 3,491,718 at the time of reporting, with certification still pending.
The growth of this bloc coincides with victories for the Democratic Socialists of America. The organization’s New York City chapter celebrated the election of Claire Valdez to Congress in the seventh district and Darializa Avila Chevalier in the thirteenth. Both candidates were supported by Mayor Zohram Mandani. The DSA also announced its state legislative caucus will expand to 14 members.
Gabriela Benazar, a spokesperson for the Working Families Party, characterized the election results as a historical night for the state. She stated that the party intends to prioritize working-class needs, including the ability of residents to pay rent and access medical services. Benazar criticized the current tax structure, arguing that millionaires pay a proportionally lower share than workers. She called for the wealthiest sectors to contribute more to sustain public services.
Make the Road New York, a community organization representing 30,000 members across New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, issued a similar demand. Executive co-director Natalia Aristizabal said voters expect tangible improvements for immigrants, young people, and Black and Latinx communities. She argued that the state must ensure the richest individuals and large corporations pay their fair share of taxes to make the system work for everyone.
Tensions within the Democratic coalition already surfaced during 2026 legislative negotiations. Hochul resisted a bill restricting state cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement, citing concerns about criminal investigations. She also opposed tax increases for incomes over $5 million, warning that such hikes could drive high earners and businesses to other states. Valdez, who ran on the Working Families Party line, told City & State she did not publicly endorse Hochul due to this resistance to raising taxes.
