New York Gov. Kathy Hochul remarked that U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik would have presented a more formidable challenge in a general election than Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, her likely Republican opponent.
Hochul made the comments to Newsday's editorial board, noting that polls showed her leading Blakeman comfortably. "Probably," Hochul said when asked if Stefanik would have been a tougher opponent. She cited Stefanik's ability to raise significant funds due to her national profile as a rising GOP figure.
"It would have been a different race," Hochul stated, while still expressing confidence she would win against Stefanik, who is retiring from the House at the end of the year. Stefanik had considered running for governor but ultimately decided against it. Her congressional campaign account held $10.8 million in cash on hand.
In response to Hochul's remarks, Blakeman's campaign issued a statement, saying, "Cruella de Vil would have been a tougher opponent than Kathy Hochul."
Hochul is seeking her second full four-year term. She first took office in 2021 following the resignation of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. In 2022, she won the governorship by a margin of 6 points against then-Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin.
Financial disclosures indicate a substantial advantage for Hochul. Her campaign had approximately $20 million in its account, compared to Blakeman's $1.4 million, according to previous filings. Blakeman is expected to receive an additional $3 million to $4 million in public matching funds. The state Democratic Party also has $14 million available to support Hochul and the statewide Democratic ticket, while the state Republican Party has less than $1 million on hand. A Super PAC, "Make It Cheaper," has been established to support Blakeman.
Hochul also expressed optimism about Democrats retaining two Long Island House seats and potentially winning Republican-held seats upstate, including a challenge to GOP Rep. Mike Lawler in the Hudson Valley's 17th District.