New York Gov. Kathy Hochul comments about her Republican rivals draw attention as she contrasts likely opponents for a hypothetical general election. According to multiple reports, Hochul says that if former Rep. Elise Stefanik had been the Republican candidate instead of Bruce Blakeman, Stefanik would “probably” have been a tougher challenger. The remarks come after Blakeman compares Hochul to the Disney villain Cruella de Vil, framing the governor’s political style in harsh terms.
Hochul’s statement is presented as a response to the rivalry between the candidates ahead of the 2022 New York election cycle, though the discussion is focused on what might have happened if Stefanik had been the GOP nominee. Fox News and the New York Post both report that Hochul’s comments were notable for their directness and for naming Stefanik as a more formidable opponent. Yahoo News includes the same basic claim, without adding a different storyline or new facts.
