Key facts
- Republicans are targeting Governor Kathy Hochul as their primary foil, shifting from an initial focus on NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
- Some Democratic candidates are distancing themselves from Hochul, viewing her as a liability in swing districts.
- Hochul is linked to perceptions of high taxes and lax criminal justice laws in New York.
- Republicans aim to use Hochul's middling popularity to impact down-ballot races in competitive districts.
- Hochul's spokesperson stated she put money back into New Yorkers' pockets and stood up to Donald Trump.
Republicans in New York have shifted their focus from New York City Mayor Eric Adams to Governor Kathy Hochul as their primary target, viewing her as a more effective foil in upcoming elections. Initially, GOP campaigns had planned to use Adams, a democratic socialist, as a symbol of far-left policies. However, Hochul, a moderate governor, has become the go-to figure for Republican campaigns seeking to capitalize on her perceived middling popularity and the state's reputation for high taxes and certain criminal justice policies.
Several Democratic candidates in competitive districts are reportedly keeping their distance from Hochul, recognizing the potential downside of appearing with her. A state Democratic official, speaking anonymously, noted that "there’s not a Democrat in the party in a swing district who wants to be near her," citing her numbers as not strong enough. This strategic distancing highlights a complex political landscape where Hochul, despite her efforts to appeal broadly, is seen by some within her own party as a potential drag on down-ballot races.
Republicans are leveraging this dynamic, with candidates like former state Assemblymember Mike LiPetri and Rep. Nick LaLota using television advertisements to criticize Hochul's policies and taxes. The GOP's strategy aims to counter a generally challenging midterm environment, marked by voter concerns over costs, high interest rates, and spiking gas prices, as well as the unpopularity of President Donald Trump in the state. Hochul's campaign, through spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki, defended her record by contrasting it with Republican actions and highlighting her support for New Yorkers and opposition to Trump.
Despite Hochul's significant investment in supporting down-ballot candidates, some are actively trying to separate themselves from her. This includes candidates in more remote districts where the influence of New York City's mayor is less pronounced, and where Hochul's policies are more directly felt. The effectiveness of the Republican strategy of framing Hochul as the face of the Democratic Party's policies on taxes and crime remains a subject of debate, with some consultants suggesting that association with Donald Trump might be a more potent factor for voters.