Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul, calling her a “hypocrite” on Monday after Hochul joined other Democratic governors in condemning what she termed “amazing power abuse” related to President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard over the weekend.
Stefanik drew parallels between Trump’s actions and Hochul’s use of the New York National Guard to manage a prison crisis, where the guard was called in to replace striking workers earlier this year.
“She has the New York National Guard in prisons because of the crisis she created, so she’s a total hypocrite,” Stefanik stated on the social platform X. “Instead of backing brave law enforcement personnel, Hochul is again aligning with violent elements and anti-ICE sentiment.”
Over the weekend, Trump deployed approximately 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles, escalating protests as thousands took to the streets against his administration’s immigration policies.
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) opposed the move, announcing plans to sue the Trump administration for bypassing his authority.
“(Trump) acted unlawfully to escalate tensions and federalize the National Guard. His orders aren’t limited to California,” Newsom posted on X.
A statement was released by the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), with Hochul, 66, and her counterparts expressing solidarity with Newsom on Sunday.
“It’s crucial to honor the executive authority of states and manage public safety without federal overreach,” they stated, emphasizing that local governments should operate free from threats and disruptions.
Stefanik, 40, indicated she is “strongly considering” a run for New York governor in 2026, potentially setting up a fierce contest against Hochul, who has held the office since Andrew Cuomo’s resignation in 2021.
New York hasn’t elected a Republican governor in nearly two decades.
Stefanik has been consistently attacking Hochul, hinting at what the race could entail. Her criticisms seem aimed at positioning herself as a formidable contender.
Initially, she was in line to become Trump’s next UN ambassador but lost that nomination earlier this year to maintain a slim Republican majority in the House.
During her visit to the New York State Capitol, she continued her criticisms of Hochul, branding her as “the worst governor in America.”
“Another year, another failed, radical agenda in New York controlled by a single-party Democratic leadership under America’s worst governor, Kathy Hochul,” Stefanik remarked, sharing images from her meeting in Albany. “It’s time for new leadership in New York.”
