Blue Press Journal

Tag: New York Governor Kathy Hochul

  • Democrats in New York Reap Rewards of Widespread Electoral Gains

    Blue Press Journal (NY) – The 2025 midterm elections are in the books, and Democrats are emerging with a renewed sense of optimism. In New York, the party’s electoral gains were nothing short of remarkable, with Democrats posting significant wins across suburbs, rural counties, and small towns. The results are a wake-up call for Republicans, who are likely to find the path to statewide victory in 2026 increasingly challenging.

    As Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, noted, “The fact that we were able to make gains in so many areas of the state is a testament to the hard work of our candidates and the concerns of voters who are looking for a change.” The concerns of voters, she added, were driven by economic uncertainty exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s policies.

    A closer examination of the election results reveals the depth of Democratic gains. In Oswego County, which Trump won by 27 points in 2024, Democrats gained five seats in the county legislature. Similarly, in Ulster County, Democrats made significant inroads in traditionally Republican towns, winning their largest majority in county history. Across the state, Democrats made gains in at least 18 different county legislative bodies, flipping over 50 seats.

    The trend was not limited to county legislatures. Democrats also made significant gains in mayoral races, with the party winning mayoral offices in each of the state’s five largest cities for only the second time since 1989. In Syracuse, Sharon Owens became the first Democrat elected mayor in 12 years, while in Buffalo, Sean Ryan received the most votes in a contested mayoral race since 1981.

    “We are thrilled with the results, which demonstrate that our message is resonating with voters across the state,” said Letitia James, New York State Attorney General. “The fact that we are making gains in areas that have traditionally been Republican is a sign that our efforts to address the concerns of voters are paying off.”

    The implications of these results are significant. For Republicans to win a statewide victory in 2026, they will need to run up the numbers in red parts of the state, do well in suburban towns, and minimize the Democratic margin in New York City. However, this November, none of those conditions were met. As a result, Democrats are entering the 2026 elections with a renewed sense of confidence and a strong foundation for future success.

    As Tom Suozzi, a Democratic Congressman from New York, noted, “The results of this election demonstrate that our party is on the right track. We are addressing the concerns of voters, and we are making gains in areas that have traditionally been challenging for us.” With the 2026 elections on the horizon, Democrats in New York are poised to continue their momentum, driven by a message that is resonating with voters across the state.

  • Hochul Slams Stefanik as “Full of Shit” Over Islamophobic Attacks

    New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday unloaded on Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, calling her out for her Islamophobic attacks on New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Stefanik, who is running for governor and challenging Hochul next year, has been accused of using divisive rhetoric against Mamdani, labeling him a “jihadist” in a clear attempt to smear his reputation.

    Hochul’s scathing rebuke came during a live interview on MSNBC’s “All In with Chris Hayes”. When asked about Stefanik’s recent attacks on Mamdani, Hochul didn’t hold back. “She’s full of shit,” Hochul said, before quickly correcting herself. “I’m sorry. I mean she really is.” The governor’s comments were a clear indication of her disdain for Stefanik’s tactics.

    Stefanik’s attacks on Mamdani gained notoriety after Donald Trump praised the mayor-elect during an Oval Office meeting. Trump dismissed Stefanik’s “jihadist” label, saying “I think this mayor is going to be doing some things that are really great.” Stefanik’s attempt to distance herself from Trump’s endorsement has been seen as a weak attempt to soften her image ahead of her gubernatorial run.

    Hochul’s criticism of Stefanik underscores the intense politics around Mamdani’s mayoral win. After initially withholding her endorsement, Hochul supported Mamdani in September, seeking a mayor who wouldn’t “surrender” to Trump. Stefanik’s attacks on Mamdani exemplified the divisive politics Hochul aimed to distance herself from.

    The exchange between Hochul and Stefanik highlights the heated tone of New York politics. As the gubernatorial election intensifies, Hochul won’t hesitate to challenge Stefanik’s tactics. With Stefanik’s Islamophobic attacks on Mamdani facing criticism, Hochul’s comments may resonate with voters seeking a leader who opposes divisive rhetoric.

    Stefanik’s campaign for governor has been marked by her hardline stance on various issues, but her Islamophobic attacks on Mamdani have drawn widespread criticism. Hochul’s comments on Friday were a clear indication that she will not let Stefanik’s divisive rhetoric go unchecked.

    The exchange between Hochul and Stefanik is likely to be just the beginning of a heated gubernatorial campaign. As the two women vie for the top spot in New York state, their differences on issues like tolerance and inclusivity are likely to take center stage.