That’s the way it goes.
Representative Tom Suozzi has chosen to skip a campaign event with Governor Kathy Hochul in Long Island this Saturday due to a scheduling conflict—this, as other New York Democrats seem to be creating distance from the governor, who is facing low popularity.
According to Suozzi’s campaign, the five-term congressman from Long Island is “fully booked” and unable to attend the “Nassau County Young Democrats’ Bus Tour and Canvass Launch.”
A spokesperson clarified that Suozzi’s schedule was arranged weeks ahead and that he has commitments throughout the weekend.
This decision follows other Democratic candidates in influential midterm races stepping away from Hochul, who is running for re-election against Republican Bruce Blakeman on November 3.
In a surprising moment captured on video, Democratic challenger Cait Conley expressed agreement with Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, who commented that Hochul “has got to go.”
“We need a new governor. Kathy Hochul has to go,” said Lawler, concluding his remarks at a forum in Putnam County. Conley immediately concurred, stating, “I’m in absolute agreement with my opponent,” while addressing a crowd that leaned conservative, implying New York is “screwing you over.”
Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Blake Gendebien hesitated when asked about his support for Hochul during an interview with a Utica-area radio station. He simply stated his aim was to support anyone who could ensure success for the North Country.
Even though Gendebien’s race in upstate New York is regarded as “likely Republican,” the contest between Lawler and Conley in the 17th House District has uncertain outcomes.
In Long Island, Suozzi is facing off against Republican Michael LiPetri Jr. in a district that’s generally Democratic, but is now seen as competitive as the Democratic Party aims to reclaim the House.
Suozzi, a former Nassau County executive who previously ran against Hochul in the 2022 gubernatorial primary, indicated he had a long-standing “dim sum meet-and-greet” commitment preventing him from joining Hochul on Saturday.
It’s reported that local Democratic leaders are eager for notable figures to attend Hochul’s event.
On the other hand, fellow Nassau County incumbent Rep. Laura Gillen will attend, though she previously criticized Hochul for supporting socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Notably, neither Gillen nor Suozzi featured Hochul’s endorsement on their campaign websites.
Recent polls indicate why Democrats in areas like upstate or suburban Long Island may not be keen on associating closely with the governor. While Hochul leads Blakeman significantly in New York City, that advantage shrinks to a slim 48% to 46% in the downstate suburbs. Upstate, she trails Blakeman by a significant margin, 40% to 55%.
The survey revealed that voters viewed Hochul unfavorably at the same rate as favorably—48%. Her job approval rating fell below 50%, with 48% approving and 47% disapproving.
When asked about Conley’s comments, Hochul appeared defensive over suggestions she might harm fellow Democrats’ chances in the upcoming election.
“I really don’t lose a lot of sleep over other people’s debates,” Hochul remarked to reporters, dismissing Lawler’s comments. She also stated that Conley had “clarified” her comments caught on camera.
Conley’s campaign, in a statement, labeled Lawler as “lying in a desperate attempt to save face,” though they did not provide further details. Conley did, however, reach out to Hochul to apologize for any misunderstanding stemming from the exchange.
“Cait had a great call with the Governor to clear up any misunderstandings that Mike Lawler’s spin and lies created,” said Conley’s spokesperson, adding that she looks forward to collaborating for victory on November 3.
Hochul’s campaign indicated they were ready to support Conley in the final stretch of the race, but Conley’s campaign had not responded about whether they would accept the assistance.
Former state Senator David Carlucci, now a political strategist, noted that while criticizing a party leader during an election year can be risky, it can be handled gracefully.
“You don’t have to agree with Governor Hochul or President Trump to work with them,” he stated, asserting that good leadership involves finding common ground without giving up one’s principles. “Different constituencies mean different priorities.”
Although Hochul appeared to brush off the public criticism, she refrained from challenging the idea that her unpopularity could impact the Democratic candidates down the ballot—a concern that has lingered since Republicans capitalized on the previous election cycle.
“I want my candidates to win, and that’s all I’m going to say about it,” Hochul concluded.
