Elise Stefanik rebukes Gov. Hochul over Medicaid cuts, hints at 2026 NY gubernatorial bid amid intensifying partisan feud.

Stefanik, Hochul Exchange Blows Over Medicaid and Party Leadership

New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican and key Trump ally, sharply escalated her ongoing feud with Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul in a series of pointed social media posts on Friday, as speculation mounts regarding Stefanik’s possible 2026 gubernatorial campaign.

Governor Hochul had accused Stefanik of voting to cut funding for five hospitals in her upstate district, warning that such moves would endanger constituents’ lives, health, and jobs for “Donald Trump.” Hochul pledged, “I’m fighting like hell to save New Yorkers' health care.”

Stefanik responded on X, “Hi @KathyHochul! Welcome to the fight,” taking direct aim at the governor’s record and policies. Stefanik accused Hochul of providing Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants and putting New York’s most vulnerable residents last. “NY’s Medicaid program is rampant with tens of billions of waste, fraud, and abuse under Kathy’s watch,” Stefanik wrote. “Kathy Hochul, the Worst Governor in America, oversees the worst run Medicaid program in the country harming NYers.”

Stefanik emphasized her work to support rural hospitals, stating, “I have been nationally recognized as the TOP advocate to deliver results for rural hospitals due to my work for hospitals in my district.” She also claimed, “your numbers in rural NY are plummeting,” referring to Hochul’s standing among upstate voters.

Political Strategy, 2026 Ambitions, and Party Divisions

The feud intensified as Stefanik pressured Hochul over her stance on Zohran Mamdani, the new Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has made controversial comments regarding Israel and Palestine. Stefanik accused Hochul of fully embracing what she called an “antisemitic, Communist nominee,” and said Hochul “owns this catastrophe.”

Hochul has responded cautiously, indicating she would meet with Mamdani to discuss his ideas for the city, but has not offered a full endorsement.

Earlier this month, Stefanik told Republican supporters in Staten Island that she is “strongly considering” a run for governor in 2026. She also launched a new state political action committee, Save New York, signaling her intent to increase her profile and influence in state politics. Observers say the PAC is likely designed to consolidate her support ahead of a potential campaign and rally resources for the GOP in New York.

In a final jab, Stefanik told Hochul, “When I have an announcement to make, believe me you’ll know,” underlining the likelihood of a high-profile entry into the 2026 governor’s race.

The intensifying exchanges highlight not only growing Republican ambitions to recapture the governor’s mansion in Albany but also sharp divides over Medicaid policy, immigration, and party identity in New York. With the state’s political landscape already turbulent, the ongoing Stefanik-Hochul rivalry sets the stage for an aggressive, high-stakes contest as 2026 approaches.