New York Republicans Target Hochul’s Alliances

Republicans in New York are setting their sights on the governor, Kathy Hochul, after her support for the newly elected mayor, Zoran Mamdani, raised eyebrows. Congressman Elise Stefanik warned that Hochul’s ties to the self-identified socialist could jeopardize her chances for re-election.

Shortly after Mamdani’s triumph on Tuesday, Republican lawmakers from upstate ramped up their criticism of Hochul. Moderates within the Democratic Party expressed concern that her endorsement could hinder anti-voting Democrats in the upcoming elections.

Stefanik, who is contemplating her own run against Hochul, took a jab at the governor following a Republican win in Hamburg, her northern hometown. She remarked, “They know that Hochul left them behind, threw them under the bus, and bent the knee to the communists in New York City,” sharing this sentiment on social media.

The ironies didn’t stop there. Stefanik criticized Hochul for not immediately condemning anti-Semitic graffiti on a yeshiva, saying, “You should have been the first to point the finger, instead of desperately trying to catch up with Republicans.” She urged Hochul to denounce the “communist anti-Semites” she supports, alluding to Mamdani.

In response, Hochul labeled the vandalism an “act of terrorism” during a news conference in Brooklyn.

Republican strategists claim that Hochul’s endorsement of Mamdani serves as an unintentional gift to the GOP, especially if his governance falters. Bill O’Reilly, a Republican strategist, pointed out that Hochul missed her chance to counter Mamdani’s rise, calling it a major blunder for her.

Hochul had backed Mamdani as far back as September and participated in several of his campaign events, even under pressure from progressives to lend her support. Notably, more prominent Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer chose to stay out of the mayoral race.

As Democrats face mounting challenges, Kate Conley, a combat veteran running in a competitive primary to challenge Republican Mike Lawler in the Hudson Valley, hesitated when questioned about whether Mamdani had “won the soul of the Democratic Party.”

Observers note that Democrats are trying to balance their positions. They must consider aligning with Mamdani, which risks alienating moderate voters, or opposing him, thereby facing backlash from liberal primary challengers.

Mamdani campaigned on policies like freezing rents on stabilized apartments and providing universal childcare, claiming he would fund these initiatives by taxing the ultra-wealthy. However, Hochul and the state legislature hold the power to impose such taxes, and she has pledged not to pursue that route.

Mamdani’s policies on policing have also drawn scrutiny and raised questions about their popularity.

John McLaughlin, a pollster, noted that the Nassau County Republican Party has already begun effectively attacking local Democratic candidates, with mailers featuring Hochul and Mamdani costing around $2 million.

While other states saw Democratic gains, including elections in New Jersey and Virginia, Nassau County remained a solid Republican stronghold.

Tom Suozzi, a moderate Democrat from Long Island, acknowledged that ties to Mamdani were detrimental to Democratic candidates in the region. He noted, “Mr. Mamdani’s campaign message may have worked in New York City, but it didn’t work in my district in Queens.”

Another moderate, Long Island Rep. Laura Gillen, distanced herself from Mamdani shortly after her own election win.

“New York City’s success is essential to the entire state. For New York City to thrive, we need leadership that is committed to common-sense policies that reduce costs and keep people safe,” Gillen stated, expressing concerns over Mamdani’s approach to taxation and public safety.

Nassau County Republican Bruce Blakeman, who also triumphed in his election, is contemplating a gubernatorial run. He believes Hochul’s connections with Mamdani will further complicate her standing.

“Governor Hochul is very unpopular on Long Island,” he asserted, emphasizing that she is now even more vulnerable than she was in the previous election, citing public dissatisfaction with her policies and character.

The governor’s campaign did not reply to requests for comments regarding these critiques.