Gov. Kathy Hochul drew criticism after telling parishioners at a predominantly Black church in Buffalo not to spend their incoming state "inflation refund" checks at liquor stores, remarks that opponents called stereotyping and demeaning.
Hochul made the comments Sunday while speaking at True Bethel Baptist Church in Buffalo about rebate checks that the state will begin sending to eligible residents later this month through November. "Checks are coming out soon, watch the mail. Okay? Okay? Don’t spend it all in one day. Get something you really need. Okay? Don’t stop by the liquor store. Buy something for the kids. Buy them some food," she said, prompting a mixed reaction from the congregation.
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who has emerged as a principal Democratic challenger to Hochul in next year's gubernatorial primary, called the comments racist and part of a pattern he said demeaned Black communities. "This is not the first time Governor Hochul has demeaned Black communities with her words," Delgado said in a statement, citing an earlier remark in May about some young Black children in the Bronx not knowing the word "computer." "Black families in the Bronx, Buffalo, and across New York don’t need lectures or insults. They need respect. They need investment," he added.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican who has also signaled interest in a potential gubernatorial bid, criticized Hochul's tone as "condescending" and said the governor had shown a "disturbing pattern of racial insensitivity." The Black Institute said it was "deeply troubled" by the remarks.
Hochul addressed the criticism at an unrelated event in Manhattan on Wednesday, saying the quip "was not the best way" to make her point and describing the exchange at the church as a lighthearted admonition delivered in a familiar setting. "I was in my hometown at a church I’ve gone to for 20 years. I’m dear friends with the bishop, the congregation. They’re all my friends. And I was acknowledging a lot of the stress people are under in our communities. I made a lighthearted joke," she said. "Listen, my intention is never to offend anybody in that context and regret that that is the takeaway for some people."
Local officials who attended the service defended the governor's remarks as taken in context. State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, who was at the service, said the congregation understood Hochul’s point about spending money wisely and called criticism from those not present "divisive." Bishop Darius Pridgen, who introduced the governor at the service, said the comment fit within a sermon focused on personal responsibility.
The rebate checks are part of state efforts to provide relief for residents amid high costs for essentials. New York officials say qualified taxpayers will receive payments by mail beginning later this month and continuing through November, depending on eligibility and processing timelines.
The episode underscores sensitivities around political remarks made in community settings and comes as Hochul faces both intra-party scrutiny and potential Republican challengers ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial campaign. Delgado’s comments framed the incident as part of his broader critique of Hochul’s record and rhetoric, while party allies cautioned against drawing conclusions without considering the full context of her appearance.
Hochul said she did not intend to generalize about any community and reiterated her view that the moment was meant to encourage residents to use the funds for household needs. Critics and supporters alike said the episode reflected the political stakes of public remarks by statewide officials in the run-up to next year’s elections.