Hochul Deflects on Down-Ballot Impact After Candidate Agrees Governor 'Has to Go'

Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday addressed remarks made by Democratic congressional candidate Cait Conley, who was recorded on video agreeing with her Republican opponent, Rep. Mike Lawler, that the governor "has to go." Hochul, when asked about Conley's comments, told reporters, "I really don’t lose a lot of sleep over other people’s debates."

Conley, running in New York's 17th House District, made the remarks during a forum with Lawler. The video, captured at a VFW event in Putnam County, shows Lawler stating, "We need a new governor. Kathy Hochul has to go." Conley then appeared to agree, saying she was in "absolute agreement" and proceeded to criticize New York's business climate.

Conley's campaign later issued a statement suggesting Lawler was "lying in a desperate attempt to save face," but did not offer further clarification on her remarks.

Hochul, speaking at an unrelated event in Manhattan, also claimed that Conley had "clarified" the moment, though details of such a clarification were not provided. "I don’t really care about how Mike Lawler characterizes something," Hochul stated.

Despite her deflection, Hochul's potential impact on down-ballot Democratic candidates remains a point of discussion. In 2022, Republicans gained several seats in New York, contributing to their House majority, with some prominent Democrats, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, attributing some of the losses to Hochul's performance.

When asked about her influence on candidates, Hochul responded, "I want my candidates to win, and that’s all I’m going to say about it, I want my candidates to win."