New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul proposed a new law on Friday that would ban local police departments from working with the federal government to enforce immigration laws.
Hochul, who has recently condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpeoM879718">said</a> at a press conference that she would seek to end participation in a federal program that grants local police power to enforce immigration laws. Hochul called her proposal the &#8220;Local Cops, Local Crimes Act,&#8221; arguing that ICE should not &#8220;expect local law enforcement to team up with them because we have other responsibilities.&#8221;
&#8220;We are called to act in this moment of tyranny,&#8221; Hochul said.
&#8220;So today, with this proposal, we&#8217;re sending a strong message to ICE,&#8221; she added. &#8220;You will not weaponize local police officers against their own communities in the state of New York. You will not use our police technology to track people who have done nothing wrong. You will not throw innocent people into our jails.&#8221;
Hochul&#8217;s proposal targets <a href="https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287g">ICE&#8217;s </a>287(g) program, which establishes agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies and allows ICE to deputize those officers. The program also allows ICE to use local police facilities for immigration enforcement. If Hochul&#8217;s proposal becomes law, New York would become the seventh state to ban the agreement with ICE, joining California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Connecticut.
The Democratic governor accused the federal government of abandoning its responsibility to pursue public safety &#8220;lawfully, transparently, and with humanity.&#8221;
&#8220;In every corner of our state, New Yorkers are feeling traumatized and stunned as they watch federal agents carry out unspeakable acts of violence in a country they no longer recognize,&#8221; Hochul said, surrounded by New York officials, such as NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
&#8220;For weeks, our eyes have been turned to the horrors unfolding on the streets of Minneapolis,&#8221; she added, accusing federal immigration agents of &#8220;murder&#8221; in the shooting of anti-ICE demonstrators Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Hochul said her announcement on Friday was in response to Minneapolis Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey&#8217;s &#8220;call&#8221; for leaders throughout the country to stand up to ICE.
New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, a current Nassau County executive, ripped Hochul after her announcement, calling her &#8220;the most pro-criminal governor in the United States who has a callous disregard for the safety of our communities and victims of crime.&#8221;
&#8220;By banning local law enforcement partnerships with ICE, Hochul is allowing dangerous criminals to return to our neighborhoods. That ends when I’m Governor,&#8221; Blakeman added.
Hochul&#8217;s effort to push back against ICE operations in New York comes as the Trump administration seeks to negotiate with Democratic leaders for greater cooperation on immigration enforcement, especially in major cities such as Minneapolis and New York City. Zohran Mamdani, New York City&#8217;s newly elected democratic socialist mayor, is also strongly opposed to any cooperation with federal immigration agents on arresting and deporting illegal immigrants in the Big Apple.
Democrats doubled down on their opposition to President Donald Trump&#8217;s massive deportation push after Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti and Renee Good were shot and killed by federal agents this month.

Kathy Hochul

Kathy Hochul Seeks To Ban Local Police Agreements With ICE, Says She Must Act In ‘Moment Of Tyranny’

Illegal Immigation

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

New York

A federal judge appointed by then-President Joe Biden ruled Tuesday that New York can proceed with implementing a law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver&#8217;s licenses.
U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci determined that the Trump administration, which sued over New York&#8217;s &#8220;Green Light Law&#8221; in February, failed to prove that the law preceded federal authority and that it either illegally discriminates or regulates against the federal government, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-green-lights-new-yorks-drivers-license-law-128667860" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to ABC News.
New York Attorney General Letitia James celebrated Tuesday&#8217;s ruling, arguing that the state law promotes safety.
&#8220;As I said from the start, our laws protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe. I will always stand up for New Yorkers and the rule of law,&#8221; James said of the ruling.
The &#8220;Green Light Law&#8221; allows illegal immigrants to use foreign passports or driver&#8217;s licenses issued in other countries to obtain New York driver&#8217;s licenses, according to ABC.
Attorney General Pam Bondi <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj2WZfv8nIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the lawsuit in February, slamming Empire State officials for choosing &#8220;to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens.&#8221;
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The first Trump administration tried to pressure New York to change the law, which was introduced in 2020, by preventing New Yorkers from enrolling in the trusted traveler programs that allow for quicker processing at airports, ABC reported.
At the time, then-Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo offered to give the feds limited access to state driving records, but still kept Immigration and Customs Enforcement from seeing records of illegal immigrants who applied for the licenses.
The governor at the time, Andrew Cuomo, offered to restore federal access to driving records on a limited basis, but said he wouldn’t let immigration agents see lists of people who had applied for the special licenses available to immigrants who couldn’t prove legal residency in the U.S. The administration ultimately restored New Yorkers’ access to the trusted traveler program after a brief legal fight.

New York Governor Hochul Joins Catholic Charities Turkey Distribution Ahead Of Thanksgiving

Judge Strikes Down Trump’s Effort To Stop New York From Giving Illegal Immigrants Driver’s Licenses

Donald Trump

<div>
The Trump administration “paused” five offshore wind leases on Monday over concerns that they would interfere with military radars.
Specifically, the federal government cited “clutter” from the motion of the “massive turbine blades” and the “highly reflective towers,” according to a press release from the Interior Department.
“The prime duty of the United States government is to protect the American people,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Monday.
“Today’s action addresses emerging national security risks, including the rapid evolution of the relevant adversary technologies, and the vulnerabilities created by large-scale offshore wind projects with proximity near our east coast population centers. The Trump administration will always prioritize the security of the American people,” he continued.
Burgum said that “ONE natural gas pipeline supplies as much energy as these 5 projects COMBINED.”
The Interior Department said that its pause will affect the Vineyard Wind 1, Revolution Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, Sunrise Wind, and Empire Wind 1 leases. All of the wind projects are along the East Coast. Vineyard Wind 1, Sunrise, and Revolution Wind are located off the coast of New England, and Empire Wind is off the coast of New York.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) slammed the decision by the administration, saying that they “will look for any excuse to continue its assault on clean energy — and the thousands of good-paying jobs these projects bring — but there is no credible justification for this stoppage.”
“The real threat to national security is in undermining our energy independence,” Hochul continued. “We are working with other impacted states to review every available option to get these projects back on track.”
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President Donald Trump has been a fierce advocate against wind power as a source of energy and instead favors natural gas, oil, and nuclear power.
“Windmills are an economic and environmental disaster. I don’t want even one built during my Administration,” he posted to Truth Social in January. “The thousands of dead and broken ones should be ripped down ASAP. Most expensive energy, only work with massive government subsidies, which we will no longer pay!”
In an August post to Truth Social, he also voiced his opposition to solar power.
“Any State that has built and relied on WINDMILLS and SOLAR for power are seeing RECORD BREAKING INCREASES IN ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY COSTS. THE SCAM OF THE CENTURY! We will not approve wind or farmer destroying Solar. The days of stupidity are over in the USA!!! MAGA,” the president wrote, which prompted the Solar and Storage Industries Association to respond on X, <a href="https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2025/08/21/trump-revives-attacks-on-renewable-energy-as-solar-surges-00517166" target="_blank" rel="noopener">POLITICO</a> reported at the time.
“The real scam is blaming solar for fossil fuel price spikes,” the association stated. “Farmers, families, and businesses choose solar to save money, preserve land, and escape high costs of the old, dirty fuels being forced on them by this administration.”
</div>

Operational wind turbine of South Fork Wind Farm in the Atlantic Ocean off Long Island

Trump Admin Pauses Five Wind Turbine Projects Over ‘National Security Risks’

Doug Burgum

east coast

Energy

Interior Department

Trump Administration

wind

Rep. Elise Stefanik, who was seen as a formidable challenger to incumbent New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, abruptly suspended her gubernatorial campaign Friday and is taking a step back from politics.
&#8220;While spending precious time with my family this Christmas season, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Governor and will not seek re-election to Congress,&#8221; Stefanik <a href="https://x.com/EliseStefanik/status/2002121519342793163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">wrote</a> on X.
Stefanik&#8217;s choice stems from the unexpected entry of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman into the Republican primary for governor, a move Stefanik says would inevitably lead to a costly and ultimately unnecessary primary battle.
Blakeman jumped into the primary despite a phone call from President Trump warning him against challenging Stefanik, whom the president endorsed emphatically earlier this year.
&#8220;[W]hile we would have overwhelmingly won this primary, it is not an effective use of our time or your generous resources to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New York,&#8221; Stefanik said.
With her congressional term ending in 2027, Stefanik hopes to focus her attention on motherhood and other personal goals.
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&#8220;And while many know me as Congresswoman, my most important title is Mom. I believe that being a parent is life&#8217;s greatest gift and greatest responsibility,&#8221; Stefanik said. &#8220;I have thought deeply about this and I know that as a mother, I will feel profound regret if I don&#8217;t further focus on my young son&#8217;s safety, growth, and happiness &#8211; particularly at his tender age.&#8221;
The Harvard grad was once considered a rising star in the Republican Party and even a potential running mate for President Trump in 2024, but Stefanik has had a challenging year.
Stefanik gave up her leadership position and her spot on the House Intel committee earlier this year to accept the position of U.N. ambassador — only for the offer to be rescinded after Trump feared losing her House seat in the ensuing special election, eating into the Republicans&#8217; razor-thin House majority.
&#8220;I am incredibly grateful to the people of New York&#8217;s 21st District for entrusting me to represent you in the United States Congress. Thank you to my dedicated staff over the past decade. I am proud of the significant results that we successfully delivered for the hardworking families in our district and across America,&#8221; Stefanik concluded. &#8220;It has been a tremendous professional honor to serve as your Congresswoman over the past eleven years.&#8221;

Elise Stefanik

ELECTION SHOCK: Elise Stefanik Drops Out Of New York Governor’s Race

2026 Midterms

News

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) are <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/12/17/us-news/elise-stefanik-demands-answers-from-kathy-hochul-about-qatar-funded-curriculum-in-nyc/?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_social_handle_id=17469289&amp;utm_social_post_id=626155842&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=nypost">pressing</a> New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to explain why New York City public schools are using curriculum and instructional materials funded by Qatar and what they describe as “malign domestic actors.” The GOP lawmakers argue that the New York City Department of Education has refused to release materials related to the September 11 attacks and the October 7 Hamas massacre, leaving Hochul as the only authority able to compel transparency.
“The [NYC] DOE has refused to provide copies of teaching materials that twist the narratives of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks and the Hamas-led massacre on October 7, 2023, in Israel,” Stefanik and Comer wrote in a letter obtained by the New York Post.
The lawmakers zeroed in on $1 million from Qatar Foundation International flowing to P.S. 261 in Cobble Hill and P.S./I.S. 30 in Bay Ridge, as well as on materials from Bridging Cultures, run by Dr. Debbie Almontaser, who is also the head of the Muslim Community Network (MCN). Stefanik and Comer allege MCN has a history of downplaying Islamist violence, opposing funding for the National 9/11 Memorial &amp; Museum, and vilifying anyone highlighting radical Islam’s role in the attacks. Bridging Cultures has conducted workshops on the Hamas attacks, which the lawmakers say “erases Israeli suffering.” Combined, MCN and Bridging Cultures have collected at least $14.7 million from New York City since 2014.
“The NYC DOE partnered with Bridging Cultures to train teachers on how to speak to students about 10/7, the war in Gaza, and the anti-Israel protest movement,” Stefanik and Comer said.
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Stefanik and Comer demanded that Hochul provide contracts, copies of the curriculum, and explanations for these partnerships. Hochul’s office dismissed the letter, saying Stefanik “misunderstand[s] how New York’s education system and mayoral control operate.”
The row escalates Stefanik’s attack line against Hochul ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race. She has also <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/stefanik-slams-hochuls-cowardly-silence-after-mamdanis-endorsement-of-9-11-apologist">slammed</a> Hochul for supporting incoming NYC Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who endorsed Palestinian activist Aber Kawas for the State Assembly.
“Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani and now owns his latest public endorsement of radical activist Aber Kawas for New York State Assembly, a proud terrorist sympathizer and denigrator of the United States,” Stefanik said in a statement. “Kawas notoriously blamed America for 9/11 that claimed the lives of thousands of New Yorkers, citing the United States&#8217; ‘system of capitalism,’ ‘racism,’ ‘white supremacy,’ and ‘Islamophobia’ as justification for the terrorist attacks that killed New Yorkers. It is clear that Mamdani owns and controls the Worst Governor in America, Kathy Hochul, as she cowardly remains silent on the anti-American and antisemitic filth spewed by the incoming Mayor and his endorsed candidates. Kathy Hochul must condemn Mamdani’s endorsement of Kawas immediately.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY)

Stefanik Demands Hochul Explain Qatar-Funded NYC School Curriculum

Congress

Elementary Schools

James Comer

New York City

Politics

Qatar

Citing the Founding Fathers, New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that she would sign a bill allowing doctors to prescribe fatal drugs to patients if they have a prognosis of less than six months to live.
In an op-ed <a href="https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/hochul-approves-aid-in-dying-21246206.php">published</a> in the Albany Times-Union, Hochul said that she reached a deal with New York lawmakers on legislation that would legalize assisted suicide. Hochul’s announcement comes after a diverse coalition of Christian, conservative, and disability-rights advocates has urged her to veto the legislation.
“Two and a half centuries ago, our founding fathers established a vision of a country based on limited government and broad individual rights that together protect rights of speech, worship, privacy and bodily autonomy,” Hochul wrote. “This is the context in which I have considered the Medical Aid in Dying Act, a bill to allow suffering terminally ill individuals with less than six months left to live the right to medical aid to speed up the inevitable.”
The Democrat-controlled legislature passed assisted suicide legislation over the summer, but Hochul asked lawmakers to make a few revisions. She claimed these revisions would “protect family members, caregivers and doctors” and “ensure” the legislation is “not misused or broadly applied.”
She said lawmakers had agreed to these revisions and would amend the bill to include them once they returned in January. Hochul then said she would sign the legislation.
“I have come to see this as a matter of individual choice that does not have to be about shortening life but rather about shortening dying. And I do not believe that in every instance condemning someone to excruciating pain and suffering preserves the dignity and sanctity of life,” she wrote.
Hochul’s announcement was condemned by the New York State Republican Party, which said it was a “profound moral failure.”
“At a moment when New Yorkers are struggling with isolation and mental health crises, she is choosing to tell the most vulnerable among us that their lives are expendable,” <a href="https://nygop.org/nygop-statement-on-hochul-signing-assisted-suicide-bill/">said</a> New York GOP Chair Ed Cox. “This is not compassion, it’s abandonment. True leadership defends life, dignity and hope, even when it’s hard.”
Cox urged New Yorkers to back Republican gubernatorial candidate Elise Stefanik, who he said “believes every life has value and who will fight relentlessly for families, the disabled and the voiceless.”
A joint statement from the Bishops of New York State condemned Hochul’s decision.
“We are extraordinarily troubled by Governor Hochul’s announcement that she will sign the egregious bill passed by the legislature earlier this year sanctioning physician-assisted suicide in New York State,” they said. “This new law signals our government’s abandonment of its most vulnerable citizens, telling people who are sick or disabled that suicide in their case is not only acceptable, but is encouraged by our elected leaders.”
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Another group that opposed the legislation was the New York Alliance Against Assisted Suicide. This included groups like the Center for Disability Rights, Democrats for Life of New York, and New York Families Action.
“Even with changes, this legislation would still single out disabled and terminally ill New Yorkers for radically different treatment than other individuals experiencing suicidal ideation,” they said. “It would still transform physicians into facilitators of suicide. It would still undermine medical transparency by requiring false reporting on death certificates.”
New York would become the 13th state, in addition to Washington, D.C., to pass laws legalizing assisted suicide. Earlier this month, Illinois legalized assisted suicide after Democrat Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill that was advanced to his desk on Halloween.

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

‘Moral Failure’: Hochul Slammed After Citing Founding Fathers To Support Assisted Suicide

Assisted Suicide

Culture

Social Issues

U.S.

Bruce Blakeman&#8217;s gubernatorial bid is off to a rocky start.
The New York Republican this week announced that he would mount a primary challenge to Rep. Elise Stefanik (R.) in one of the most closely-watched gubernatorial races of the coming midterm election cycle. Stefanik, who last month announced that she would run against New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D.), was expected to cinch the Republican nomination.
But Blakeman, county executive for Nassau County on Long Island, had an early advantage: a New York Times story, released shortly after he announced his bid, which revealed that President Trump &#8220;did not go so far as to dissuade him&#8221; from challenging Stefanik, a key Trump ally.
The Times story fueled early speculation that Trump may not get involved in the primary — or make a double endorsement, as he&#8217;s been known to do — two things that would likely help Blakeman.
But the Times issued a major correction just hours after publication, amending the story to say that the original story &#8220;inaccurately described President Trump’s phone call with Bruce Blakeman,&#8221; and that the president &#8220;tried to dissuade Mr. Blakeman from running in the Republican primary,&#8221; but &#8220;stopped short of explicitly telling Mr. Blakeman not to run.&#8221;
It’s unclear who leaked details of the call that led to the initial story. Trump equivocated when asked about the primary Monday, saying &#8220;I&#8217;ll think about it, but he&#8217;s great and she&#8217;s great,&#8221; adding, &#8220;We have a lot of great people in the Republican party.&#8221;
The Blakeman campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
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A recent poll has Stefanik beating Blakeman with 74% of the vote in a primary challenge, the New York Post reported last month. The congresswoman also garnered the backing of 58 Republican Party county chairs,  giving her over 75% of the party’s “weighted vote,&#8221; meaning she will likely not need to petition in order to get on the ballot
Blakeman will almost certainly have to gather 15,000 signatures to make it onto the ballot. The Nassau County Executive has attempted to pitch his candidacy as something Republicans should welcome, saying, &#8220;We&#8217;re not like the Democratic Party that had a coronation for Kamala Harris.&#8221;
Stefanik, who was once Trump’s pick to be the United Nations ambassador, touted a long list of local endorsements, including county executives and state lawmakers, following Blakeman’s entrance into the race.
New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov blasted Blakeman’s entrance into the race in an X post without explicitly naming him, calling it “the height of political malpractice” to primary the congresswoman.
“Elise will out raise any primary opponent by significant #-s, will kill on the debate stage (if it even gets to that, doubt it), and will generally wipe the floor with them on primary night. Why attempt to take out your own party’s candidate with major name rec. when the majority of your party supports her and when that candidate is well positioned to beat Kathy Hochul?” she wrote.
“Why not help us beat the Democrats instead of beating up on our candidate before she moves on to the General? But more than that, why cause yourself the embarrassment and lose support in the one county where you are actually popular and well liked? Because that county will also vote for Elise for Governor &#8230; This is what happens when politicians are only out for themselves, and think they’re better and smarter than everyone else. Suit yourselves,” the councilwoman added.
The Hochul campaign is referring to the Republicans as “Sellout Stefanik” and “Bootlicker Blakeman.”
The primary is on June 23. The race will likely get heightened attention not only with the big names already involved, but it could also prove to be a litmus test for how the state is reacting to New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s early days in power.

Elise Stefanik, Kathy Hochul

How The New York Times Tried — And Failed — To Carry Water For Elise Stefanik’s Primary Opponent

2026 election

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is calling out New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) for her silence over the latest anti-police move made by far-left Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani, whom Hochul endorsed.
Mamdani recently appointed Alex Vitale to his community safety committee. Vitale, a sociology professor, is the author of &#8220;The End of Policing&#8221; and has espoused radical anti-police views, such as suggesting all officers and their unions are embedded with &#8220;deep racism&#8221; and calling for the defunding and abolition of police.
“Kathy Hochul must condemn Zohran Mamdani’s appointment of Alex Vitale to his transition advisory committee,&#8221; Stefanik told The Daily Wire.
&#8220;Vitale is a radical police abolitionist who will destroy New York if he gets his way,&#8221; she added.
Stefanik <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/stefanik-launches-gubernatorial-bid-to-oust-empire-states-communist-loving-red-queen?author=Leif+Le+Mahieu&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Stefanik+Launches+Gubernatorial+Bid+To+Oust+Empire+State’s+‘Communist’-Loving+Red+Queen">announced</a> her bid for New York&#8217;s next gubernatorial election in November, just days after Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, won the election as New York City’s next mayor with Hochul’s endorsement.
When Hochul endorsed Mamdani, she claimed that Mamdani told her he would maintain all police resources to ensure the safety of New Yorkers was a top priority. Vitale&#8217;s appointment seems to fly in the face of that commitment, though Hochul has so far stayed mum.
Back in 2020, Vitale strongly backed the &#8220;defund the police&#8221; movement and criticized police unions and their members for their supposed &#8220;deep racism.&#8221;
&#8220;They become, in many cities, the locus, the institutional hub, for a whole set of right-wing &#8216;thin blue line&#8217; politics that believe that policing is not only effective but it’s the most desirable way to solve our problems,&#8221; Vitale <a href="https://www.democracynow.org/2020/6/8/alex_vitale_end_of_policing?">said</a>. &#8220;And embedded in this is a deep racism that says that certain populations can only be managed through constant threats and coercion.”
The professor added that this is the &#8220;logic of slavery&#8221; and &#8220;colonialism,&#8221; and activists must &#8220;take concrete steps to dismantle their political power.&#8221;
As highlighted by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/mamdani-names-end-of-policing-author-who-called-cops-violence-workers-to-transition-team">The Daily Wire</a>, Vitale&#8217;s book, “The End of Policing,” imagines a world in which “modern policing” is broadly replaced by a combination of decriminalization and community empowerment. He argues that policing is designed to reinforce inequality, and that giving police officers diversity training is not enough to bridge the gap.
Vitale has also called for the decriminalization of offenses such as prostitution and drug use, and advocates for private corporations or government programs that would provide permanent housing for the homeless population.
Mamdani himself has espoused radical anti-police views, like calling NYPD officers &#8220;racist, anti-queer &amp; a major threat to public safety&#8221; and calling for the &#8220;wicked &amp; corrupt&#8221; department to be defunded and dismantled.
In addition to his controversial Vitale appointment, Mamdani has picked a black nationalist named Lumumba Bandele to serve on a Community Organizing committee. As <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/11/25/us-news/rep-elise-stefanik-challenges-hochul-after-call-to-fire-nightmare-mamdani-transition-team-pick/">noted</a> by the New York Post, Bandele previously aligned with Black Liberation Army members convicted of killing police officers in the tristate area.
“Kathy Hochul’s endorsed Mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, just picked a man who supports the killers of cops in New York and New Jersey to serve on his transition team,” Stefanik said.
“Mamdani’s vision for New York is getting very clear and it’s starting to look like a nightmare,&#8221; the Republican added. &#8220;Kathy Hochul must immediately call on Mamdani to fire Lumumba Bandele from his transition team.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/mamdani-names-end-of-policing-author-who-called-cops-violence-workers-to-transition-team">Mamdani Names ‘End Of Policing’ Author Who Called Cops ‘Violence Workers’ To Transition Team</a>

Stefanik, Hochul, Mamdani

Stefanik Blasts Mamdani, Hochul Over Wild Anti-Police Appointment

mamdani

New York GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has launched a gubernatorial bid, fiercely attacked Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing her of “cowardly” silence after New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani endorsed Palestinian activist Aber Kawas for the State Assembly.
Stefanik declared that Hochul, having endorsed Mamdani’s successful mayoral run, now “owns” his decision to elevate a candidate whom Stefanik labels a “terrorist sympathizer.&#8221; She demanded that Hochul condemn both Mamdani’s endorsement of Kawas and what Stefanik described as the “anti-American and antisemitic filth” being normalized.
“Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani and now owns his latest public endorsement of radical activist Aber Kawas for New York State Assembly, a proud terrorist sympathizer and denigrator of the United States,” Stefanik said in a statement. “Kawas notoriously blamed America for 9/11 that claimed the lives of thousands of New Yorkers, citing the United States&#8217; ‘system of capitalism,’ ‘racism,’ ‘white supremacy,’ and ‘Islamophobia’ as justification for the terrorist attacks that killed New Yorkers. It is clear that Mamdani owns and controls the Worst Governor in America, Kathy Hochul, as she cowardly remains silent on the anti-American and antisemitic filth spewed by the incoming Mayor and his endorsed candidates. Kathy Hochul must condemn Mamdani’s endorsement of Kawas immediately.”
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In 2017, Kawas stated that “the system of capitalism and racism, and white supremacy, et cetera, have all, and Islamophobia, have all been used to colonize lands, right, to take resources from other people, and so this is, like, a long trajectory. And we&#8217;re just seeing the manifestations of that continuation, right, with 9/11.”
The controversy erupted after Mamdani — a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the incoming mayor — <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/17/mamdani-backs-palestinian-activist-in-legislative-race-where-battle-with-israeli-lobby-a-key-issue/">backed</a> Kawas at a closed-door DSA meeting. Kawas has a long record of controversial statements, including a 2017 panel appearance in which she framed the September 11 attacks as a “manifestation” of U.S. capitalism, racism, white supremacy, and Islamophobia — remarks that critics say blame America for the murder of nearly 3,000 people. Kawas has also defended individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses, including synagogue bomb plotter Ahmed Ferhani and al-Qaeda financier Fahad Hashmi, whom she <a href="https://freebeacon.com/latest-news/socialists-unite-mamdani-throws-support-behind-behind-state-assembly-candidate-who-blamed-9-11-on-america/">described</a> as a “living martyr” whose imprisonment deprived activists of peace of mind.
Mamdani’s endorsement has also frightened Jewish New Yorkers already unsettled by his past rhetoric, including his affirmation of the phrase “globalize the intifada,” a slogan the U.S. Holocaust Museum has condemned because violence has been committed under its banner. Mamdani previously campaigned with a radical imam who spoke of “jihad” in New York City.
Within the Queens Assembly race itself, Mamdani’s move set up a clash with supporters of Brian Romero, the district&#8217;s longtime community figure and outgoing Democratic Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas’s preferred successor. Both <a href="https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2020/07/meet-the-insurgents-who-are-likely-future-assembly-members/175792/">Gonzalez-Rojas</a> and <a href="https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2025/10/brian-romero-hopes-succeed-his-former-boss-assembly/408676/">Romero</a> are reportedly DSA members. While Romero’s backers emphasized his deep neighborhood ties — especially in a predominantly Hispanic district — Kawas’s supporters insisted a Palestinian candidate was necessary to “draw the fire of the Israeli lobby,” boasting that they “did it with Zohran.”

Stefanik Slams Hochul’s ‘Cowardly Silence’ After Mamdani’s Endorsement Of 9/11 Apologist

9/11

Elections

Zohran Mamdani

A new survey shows that GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY) would beat incumbent New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) in a head-to-head match-up with independent voters.
The <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/11/12/us-news/stefanik-would-trounce-blakeman-in-potential-gop-match-up-for-ny-governor/">survey</a> asked New York voters who they would vote for if the 2026 gubernatorial election were held today. Stefanik secured 41% of &#8220;Independent/Other&#8221; voters against Hochul, whereas fellow Republican, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, secured 29% of independents against Hochul.
Blakeman, who just recently won re-election as county executive, is reportedly seriously mulling over a run for governor.
Notably, Stefanik edged out Hochul by three points in their match-up with independent voters.
The survey, conducted by J.L. Partners, focused largely on different Republicans&#8217; chances against Hochul in the coming election. Stefanik, who officially announced her candidacy for governor this month, would perform much better than Blakeman, according to the poll.
In Blakeman&#8217;s hypothetical match-up against Hochul, he loses by 11 points with all voters. When Stefanik is matched up against Hochul, she only loses by three points. The margin of error for the poll is estimated at 4.4%.
Stefanik seems to be gaining on Hochul, too. As highlighted by <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/poll-shows-elise-stefanik-has-kathy-hochul-in-striking-distance-after-ny-gov-endorses-mamdani">The Daily Wire</a> last month, a GrayHouse poll showed Hochul leading Stefanik 48% to 43% with New York voters. Again, the most recent poll shows Stefanik only down by three points.
Stefanik announced her bid for governor just days after Zohran Mamdani won the election to be New York City’s next mayor with Hochul’s endorsement. Mamdani has been criticized as anti-police and antisemitic, and ran on “free buses,” government-run grocery stores, sky-high taxes, and other extremely far-Left promises.
“Kathy Hochul is the Worst Governor in America. Under her failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery bills,” Stefanik said when she announced. “When New Yorkers were looking for leadership from our Governor, she bent the knee to the raging Defund the Police, Tax Hiking Communist causing catastrophe for New York families.”
Stefanik has promised to introduce policies to lower the cost of utilities, energy, and groceries. The Republican has also boasted of her efforts to fight “woke insanity in our schools” and support small businesses. She’s additionally targeted Hochul for “cozying” up to Mamdani, whom she described as an “antisemitic communist.”
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/stefanik-launches-gubernatorial-bid-to-oust-empire-states-communist-loving-red-queen">Stefanik Launches Gubernatorial Bid To Oust Empire State’s ‘Communist’-Loving Red Queen</a>

POLL: Stefanik Dominates With Independents, Beats Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) may have endorsed the Democratic Mayor-elect of New York City, but she&#8217;s making it clear that she&#8217;s not all-in on his progressive policy proposals — especially if they would place a greater burden on a system that is already strapped.
Hochul endorsed Zohran Mamdani — a self-described Democratic socialist — despite his unwillingness to do the same for her, but she said on Saturday that she couldn&#8217;t get on board with his calls for free buses in New York City.
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kathy Kochul says no to Zohran Mamdani&#8217;s 
free NYC bus plan. The transit system relies on the fares to function. <a href="https://t.co/52xgCMxCrA">pic.twitter.com/52xgCMxCrA</a>
— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) <a href="https://twitter.com/libbyemmons/status/1987532950284451991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;I cannot set forth a plan right now that takes money out of a system that relies on the fares of the buses and the subways,&#8221; she said during a Saturday press conference. &#8220;But can we find a path to make it more affordable for people who need help? of course we can.&#8221;
Hochul went on to say that she&#8217;d had a number of conversations with Mamdani and that she wanted to work with him where she could — but that she wasn&#8217;t going to suddenly change her position on an issue solely due to public pressure.
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
NEWS: <a href="https://twitter.com/GovKathyHochul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovKathyHochul</a> right now is a no on <a href="https://twitter.com/ZohranKMamdani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZohranKMamdani</a>’s free bus promise.
“I cannot set forth a plan right now that takes money out of a system that relies on the fares of the busses and the subways.”
She’s then pressed on “Tax the Rich” chants: <a href="https://t.co/M0wa9SEDMA">pic.twitter.com/M0wa9SEDMA</a>
— Bernadette Hogan (@bern_hogan) <a href="https://twitter.com/bern_hogan/status/1987188552216506417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;We&#8217;re aligned on some of these issues. I&#8217;ve made it clear where I have strong disagreements with issues that really do not pertain to the governance of New York City,&#8221; she continued. &#8220;I&#8217;m looking forward to having our teams keep the conversation — a lot of conversations going with our teams.&#8221;
She went on to say that her current focus was doing whatever she could to prevent an influx of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in New York City.

New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Holds Election Rally With Bernie Sanders And Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Mamdani-Supporting Kathy Hochul Dumps Cold Water On One Of His Key Policies

Media

Transportation

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) launched a run for New York governor on Friday, challenging the “failed” incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and her embrace of leftist New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. 
Stefanik’s announcement comes just days after Mamdani won the election as New York City’s next mayor with Hochul&#8217;s endorsement. Highlighting Hochul’s support for radical policies and New York’s high cost of living, Stefanik said she would make the Empire State “affordable and safe FOR ALL&#8221; if elected governor. 
“Kathy Hochul is the Worst Governor in America. Under her failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery bills,” Stefanik announced. “When New Yorkers were looking for leadership from our Governor, she bent the knee to the raging Defund the Police, Tax Hiking Communist causing catastrophe for New York families.”
In an ad posted alongside her announcement on social media, Stefanik said she would introduce policies to lower the cost of utilities, energy, and groceries. The spot also pointed to her record of fighting “woke insanity in our schools,” supporting small businesses, and targeted Hochul for &#8220;cozying&#8221; up to Mamdani, whom she described as an &#8220;antisemitic communist.&#8221; 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Kathy Hochul is the Worst Governor in America. Under her failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery bills. When New Yorkers were looking for leadership from our Governor, she bent… <a href="https://t.co/HXyQlNIjEj">pic.twitter.com/HXyQlNIjEj</a>
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliseStefanik/status/1986750485055823895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Stefanik is a close ally of President Donald Trump and was the chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2025. 
While New York is a solidly blue state, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/poll-shows-elise-stefanik-has-kathy-hochul-in-striking-distance-after-ny-gov-endorses-mamdani">recent polling</a> suggests the race could be close. One poll from GrayHouse, conducted last month, showed Hochul leading Stefanik in a hypothetical matchup, 48% to 43%. 
The poll also suggested that the race could tighten if Mamdani won the mayoral election. Around 47% of voters who identified as independents said that Mamdani’s election would make them less likely to vote for a Democrat in the governor’s race. 
Hochul campaigned with Mamdani throughout his mayoral campaign, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/opinion/hochul-endorsement-mamdani.html">saying</a> that she believed he had “the courage, urgency and optimism New York City needs to lead it through the challenges of this moment.” Mamdani was <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/mamdanis-party-nycs-new-mayor-celebrates-win-by-channeling-americas-marxist-icon?author=Leif+Le+Mahieu&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=7&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Mamdani’s+Party%3A+NYC’s+New+Mayor+Celebrates+Win+By+Channeling+America’s+Marxist+Icon">elected</a> on Tuesday on a platform promising to freeze rents for two million New Yorkers, open government-owned grocery stores, and provide universal childcare. 
Shortly after Stefanik officially announced her gubernatorial run, New York GOP Chairman Ed Cox officially endorsed her. 
&#8220;Thanks to Kathy Hochul and Democrats, New York leads the nation in outmigration as the most taxed, least free, least affordable state in America,” he said. “There will not be a Republican primary and a year from now, Elise will lead our team to victory over Kathy Hochul, end one-party Democrat rule, and make New York affordable again.&#8221;

MixCollage-07-Nov-2025-08-08-AM-5984

Stefanik Launches Gubernatorial Bid To Oust Empire State’s ‘Communist’-Loving Red Queen

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