Republican Calls Out Democrat Governor
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is turning up the heat on New York Governor Kathy Hochul, calling out what she describes as blatant hypocrisy over the use of the National Guard—fueling speculation of a high-stakes 2026 gubernatorial bid.
On Monday, Stefanik strongly criticized Governor Hochul after the Democrat joined other liberal governors in denouncing President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to growing unrest tied to immigration enforcement.
Hochul claimed the move was an “alarming abuse of power,” yet Stefanik was quick to remind the public that Hochul herself ordered the New York National Guard into state-run prisons earlier this year to address a staffing crisis—one critics say her own policies helped create.
“Kathy Hochul is a total hypocrite,” Stefanik posted on X. “She used the Guard to cover her failures in state prisons, yet now sides with violent rioters and anti-ICE activists instead of standing with our law enforcement.”
President Trump’s deployment involved approximately 2,000 National Guard troops sent to restore peace in Los Angeles after large protests erupted over federal immigration enforcement. The move came amid reports of detentions tied to a broader crackdown on sanctuary city defiance and illegal immigration—issues central to the Trump administration’s America First agenda.
Blue State Backlash, Legal Threats from Newsom and Allies
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) condemned the deployment and announced plans to sue the Trump administration, accusing the president of bypassing state authority and setting a dangerous precedent for federal overreach.
“The executive order allows him to override any state,” Newsom posted online. “We’re taking legal action immediately.”
Hochul and the Democratic Governors Association quickly followed suit, releasing a coordinated statement supporting Newsom and condemning federal involvement in state matters.
“Governors must have the authority to manage their own National Guards,” the statement read. “We reject federal interference that brings chaos to our communities.”
Stefanik: “New York Deserves Real Leadership”
Stefanik, a steadfast supporter of President Trump and a rising star in Republican politics, is widely believed to be eyeing a run for governor in 2026. Her latest comments reflect a growing offensive against Hochul’s leadership, especially on crime, public safety, and immigration.
“Another year, another failed session under one-party Democrat rule,” Stefanik said during meetings with GOP leaders in Albany. “New York families are suffering because of the radical policies pushed by the worst governor in America—Kathy Hochul.”
New York hasn’t elected a Republican governor since 2002, but dissatisfaction with rising crime, high taxes, and immigration policy mismanagement could open the door for a strong conservative challenger.
Stefanik had previously been considered for the role of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, but President Trump reportedly withdrew the nomination to preserve the GOP’s narrow majority in the House—keeping Stefanik in play for a 2026 state race.
Conclusion: Stefanik Builds Momentum as Hochul Faces Mounting Criticism
As national debates over immigration, crime, and executive authority intensify, Rep. Stefanik is positioning herself as the voice of common sense and law and order in New York. Her growing public presence and direct criticism of Hochul suggest a showdown is brewing that could reshape the state’s political future.
