Hochul Addresses Criticism Over DSA Connections

New York Governor Kathy Hochul made it clear on Saturday that she does not align with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), countering ongoing criticism from Republican gubernatorial candidate Elise Stefanik. The scrutiny arises from her endorsement of Zoran Mamdani, a DSA member and the newly elected mayor of New York City.

“I don’t support them; I’ve made that absolutely clear,” Hochul stated to reporters during the SOMOS political retreat in Puerto Rico, shortly after appearing at an event alongside Mamdani, who wasn’t present when she made those remarks regarding the DSA.

In a video that kicked off her gubernatorial campaign, Stefanik lambasted Hochul for “defunding the police, raising taxes, and working with ‘anti-Semitic communists'” like Mamdani. She has gone as far as branding Hochul “the worst governor in America” during her campaign.

“Honestly, I don’t really care what she says,” Hochul shot back. Two weeks prior, she had to leave a Mamdani campaign rally in Queens after being heckled with calls about “taxes for the rich.” She emphasized that she would not increase state income taxes to fund Mamdani’s flagship campaign ideas, such as free bus service.

“If you check out the history of people attempting to sway my stance with multimillion-dollar ad campaigns, I won’t budge,” Hochul added, seemingly overlooking past backlash regarding congestion pricing in New York City and other related policies.

“It’s about what’s feasible,” she remarked. “We’re in a bit of a tough spot right now.” This situation, she noted, keeps her in a difficult position financially, as she finds herself grappling with a substantial $3 billion deficit in Medicaid, which has already necessitated $750 million in budget cuts this year.