Stefanik Criticizes Hochul Over New Endorsement

On Friday, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) took aim at Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing her of conceding to New York City Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, who is a self-proclaimed socialist and has announced his candidacy for the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race.

Stefanik criticized Hochul for endorsing Mamdani just before his election victory, suggesting this only adds to her list of failures serving New Yorkers. “During a time when New Yorkers needed decisive leadership, Hochul chose to, well, bend the knee,” she stated on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends.”

“Why would she do that? It seems she’s got some backing within her own party,” Stefanik continued. She characterized Hochul as a governor who imposes the nation’s highest taxes while neglecting hardworking New Yorkers and turning against law enforcement as well as small businesses. “It feels like New York is in a disaster state because of her leadership,” she said.

Stefanik officially launched her campaign for governor on Friday, declaring that New York has “collapsed” under her Democratic rival’s governance.

Claiming a decade of experience as a lawmaker, Stefanik asserted she could lead New York back to a Republican stronghold for the first time in two decades. “I’ve turned districts that were previously held by Democrats,” she noted.

“I’ve won every primary and general election, attracting not just Republicans, but a good chunk of independents and Democrats as well. My record shows results for families, small businesses, veterans, and farmers,” she emphasized.

New York Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox spoke positively of Stefanik’s gubernatorial candidacy, labeling her a “unifier” with the skills and resources necessary to succeed. “She’s always fought for our principles and never backed down. She’s the warrior we need in the battle against the corrupt Albany Democratic establishment,” he stated.

Cox attributed New York’s struggles to Hochul and the Democratic Party, claiming the state is the highest-taxed and least-free in America, prompting significant outmigration. He added that although there will be no Republican primary, Stefanik would lead the party to victory over Hochul, marking the end of single-party Democratic rule and aiming to make New York affordable again.

In response, Hochul’s campaign labeled Stefanik as a “traitor” following the launch news. “Sellout Stefanik is Trump’s biggest supporter in Congress and his righthand in New York’s battles, stripping away health care, hiking costs, and cutting police, school, and hospital funding,” said campaign communications director Sarafina Titica.

“Apparently, misleading New Yorkers in Congress wasn’t enough for her. Now she wants to bring Trump’s chaos to our state. While Stefanik places Trump ahead of New Yorkers, Governor Hochul focuses on reducing costs, lowering middle-class taxes, and advocating for New Yorkers that Stefanik has left behind,” she concluded.