NYS State Senator George Borrello delivered a fiery call to action at the New York State Conservative Party’s annual conference in Albany, portraying conservatives as embattled “warriors” fighting what he described as an ideological takeover in state government.
Opening his remarks with thanks to party leaders, Borrello compared the conservative movement to the outnumbered fighters in the movie 300, saying, “We are outnumbered, but we are never outdone.”
Borrello praised Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, calling him a “combat veteran with the Bronze Star,” and said Republicans are engaged in a daily battle “for the state of New York.”
A business owner himself, Borrello said he could live elsewhere but chooses to remain in New York despite what he called “Marxism…creeping up like cancer throughout New York State.” He argued that high taxes, rising costs and “bad policy” are driving residents and businesses away.
The senator sharply criticized Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed state budget, labeling it a “Santa Claus budget” aimed at reelection. He said state spending has surged by billions under Democratic control and claimed New York’s budget is now larger than those of Texas and Florida combined.
Borrello warned that paused mandates, including a planned electric building requirement, could return after November’s election. He urged conservatives to remain vigilant, saying, “We need to be smart. We need to call it out.”
He cited testimony from state energy officials who acknowledged renewable-only goals may not be feasible, arguing that policies tied to wind and solar are raising utility costs through hidden infrastructure charges.
Calling the Conservative Party “the conscience of politics here in New York State,” Borrello said working-class residents ultimately bear the burden of increased taxes and spending.
“Our liberties are going down,” he concluded. “It’s time for change, and we are the agents of change.”