Hochul says Stefanik would've been tougher GOP opponent than Blakeman in surprising swipe at rival

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said Republican Elise Stefanik would have been a tougher opponent than Bruce Blakeman in the 2026 gubernatorial race. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive and Republican candidate, responded by comparing Hochul to Cruella de Vil. The exchange occurred as the general election campaign entered its final phase.

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