Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York is sounding the alarm: she says that a surprising number of Democratic operatives and voters are now openly hoping Gov. Kathy Hochul is removed from office. The reason? Hochul’s recent decision to endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City.
Stefanik argues that Hochul’s endorsement represents a sharp leftward shift, one that is alienating moderate Democrats and independent voters. She claims the move has sparked significant backlash within Democratic ranks, with individuals telling GOP operatives they will be eager to vote Hochul out in 2026.
According to Stefanik, the issue isn’t just policy—it’s political tone and optics. She asserts that Hochul “bent the knee” to a candidate she describes as a radical “anti-police” socialist, and that the endorsement has damaged her credibility among centrist voters. Stefanik further claims that even Democratic leaders at the state party level have withheld full support of Mamdani, viewing Hochul’s backing as politically risky.
Stefanik says the fallout presents a strategic opening for Republicans. She notes that if Hochul’s standing continues to erode, the 2026 gubernatorial race could become an unexpectedly competitive battlefield. Although Stefanik has not yet formally declared a run for governor, she suggests she may do so shortly after the current election cycle.
For Hochul’s part, sources indicate her team is tracking support in suburban and swing districts closely. The endorsement of Mamdani, they argue, is part of a broader strategy to unify the party’s base and bring younger and more progressive voters into the fold. Critics say the gamble may instead deepen internal divisions at a vulnerable time.
Observers say this episode is emblematic of larger tensions within the Democratic Party: balancing progressive energy with moderate governance appeal. How Hochul navigates this fallout—and whether it directly affects her chances in 2026—may become one of New York’s most closely watched political storylines in the coming months.
