Making a stop at LI Patriot Radio, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik pulled no punches on New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Expected to announce a gubernatorial run after November’s election, the Saratoga County Republican criticized Hochul’s policies on public safety, bail reform, and immigration. “Kathy Hochul clearly doesn’t care about Suffolk County. She just bent the knee to this anti-police, anti-Semitic agenda that will destroy public safety.”
The House Republican Conference Chair also blasted Hochul for endorsing Zohar Mamdani, an avowed Communist, for New York Mayor. Not a shoe-in for reelection after narrowly escaping defeat by Shirley’s Lee Zeldin in 2022, Hochul now faces a primary challenge from her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. Mamdani declined to endorse her in return.
Stefanik highlighted her record on veterans, citing a decade representing the 21st Congressional District, home to a large military population. “We’ve delivered millions of dollars to veterans through the VA, but New York State continues to put them last,” she said. “Billions are going to illegal immigrants, while those who served our country are left behind.”
She emphasized initiatives to help military families transition to civilian life, including reforms to make licensing easier for veterans entering technical trades. “New York is one of the hardest states in the country to translate military experience into workforce credentials. We have to do better.”
Stefanik also criticized Hochul for mismanaging Medicaid and other programs, calling for greater accountability. She noted her support for President Trump’s tax cut bill, calling it the largest in U.S. history.
Blaming Hochul’s support of cashless bail for rising crime, Stefanik warned that Democrats are prioritizing criminals over law-abiding New Yorkers. “Defunding the police and pro-criminal policies endanger communities statewide,” she said.
She praised Suffolk voters for their political engagement. “We have one last opportunity to save our state.”