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Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., a critical Trump supporter allegedly considering a gubernatorial bid in 2026, responded strongly to New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, branding her as the “worst governor in America” following criticism over Medicaid reductions.
On social media last Friday, Hochul accused Stefanik of voting in favor of jeopardizing five hospitals in her district, placing her own constituents at risk and compromising their well-being and employment, all in allegiance to Donald Trump.
“I won’t stand for it. I’m fighting like hell to save New Yorkers’ health care,” said Hochul.
In response, Stefanik posted on X, “Hi @KathyHochul! Welcome to the fight.”
“You shielded yourself inadequately during our last encounter, when your perilous and ineffective sanctuary state policies were exposed. Shall we delve into Medicaid now?” she remarked.
Stefanik slammed Hochul for giving Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants, “putting New Yorkers most vulnerable LAST.”
“NY’s Medicaid program is rampant with tens of billions of waste, fraud, and abuse under Kathy’s watch,” she wrote.
“Kathy Hochul, the Worst Governor in America oversees the worst run Medicaid program in the country harming NYers. Medicaid is an incredibly important program that I have worked to strengthen for New Yorkers.”
The New York congresswoman then added, “Oh and Kathy, your numbers in rural NY are plummeting” and “I have been nationally recognized as the TOP advocate to deliver results for rural hospitals due to my work for hospitals in my district.”
In another post, Stefanik said, “Oh Kathy. I’m glad I set your schedule these days – from setting your Tweet schedule by forcing you to tweet on the Communist Mayor who just won in your Democrat Party in NYC. To you now scrambling to go to Saranac Lake because of news articles. When I have an announcement to make, believe me you’ll know.”
This comes after Stefanik pressured Hochul to say whether she supported the new Democratic nominee for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has made controversial statements criticizing Israel and promoting Palestine and who identifies as a Democratic Socialist.
Hochul has since said she plans to meet with Mamdani to discuss his ideas for the city but has not yet issued a full endorsement.
Stefanik has said that as the leader of the New York Democratic Party, Hochul “fully embraced the antisemitic, Communist nominee,” adding, “she owns this catastrophe.”
Earlier this month, Stefanik told a Republican crowd in Staten Island she was “strongly considering” entering the race for governor.
She unveiled a new state political action committee, Save New York, which appears aimed at further cementing her status as a heavyweight in Empire State GOP politics.
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.