New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is taking aim at her Republican challenger, and other political rivals, by suggesting that they “belong” in Florida.
During an event on Monday in support of Pat Ryan, the Democratic candidate running in the special election for New York’s 19th Congressional district, Hochul said, “We are fighting for democracy. We’re fighting to bring government back to the people and out of the hands of dictators.”
“Trump and Zeldin and Molinaro – just jump on a bus and head down to Florida where you belong. OK?” she added.
Hochul referred to former President Donald Trump, New York Republican gubernatorial nominee Lee Zeldin, and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro (R) — who is running against Ryan.
She got in another jab as she said, “You are not New Yorkers.”
"We're here to say that the era of Trump and Zeldin and Molinaro – just jump on a bus and head down to Florida where you belong, OK?"
— Zach Williams (@ZachReports) August 22, 2022
"You are not New Yorkers"
– Gov Kathy Hochul, campaigning w/Pat Ryan ahead of NY19 special election
Zeldin reacted to Hochul’s comments by tweeting, “What a psycho demand. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I’m a proud lifelong New Yorker who unlike you is willing to be a Governor for all New Yorkers,” he continued.
Zeldin added, “If someone disagrees with me, that doesn’t mean they aren’t a New Yorker [and] must leave the state!”
What a psycho demand. I’m not going anywhere @KathyHochul.
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) August 23, 2022
I’m a proud lifelong New Yorker who unlike you is willing to be a Governor for all New Yorkers.
If someone disagrees with me, that doesn’t mean they aren’t a New Yorker & must leave the state!https://t.co/xz48tnoOrG
Molinaro also fired back on Twitter, writing, “Really [Hochul]? I’m not a New Yorker!? You sound exactly [like] your predecessor.”
“I lost my father in this state, raise my children here and have given every day in service to my community. Disagree with your corrupted government, and we are not New Yorkers?” he continued.
Really, @KathyHochul? I’m not a New Yorker!? You sound exactly likely your predecessor. I lost my father in this state, raise my children here and have given every day in service to my community. Disagree with your corrupted government, and we are not New Yorkers? #Shameful https://t.co/pXepqezKQq
— Marc Molinaro #NY19 ?? (@marcmolinaro) August 22, 2022
Molinaro appeared to allude to comments made by former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in 2014.
The then-governor said that Republicans with “extreme” views “have no place” in New York because “that’s not who New Yorkers are.”
He specified such Republicans include people who are “Right to life, pro-assault weapons” and “anti-gay.”
As of Tuesday morning, Trump — who has made Florida his official residence — had not reacted to Hochul’s comments on his Truth Social platform.
