Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, engaged in a social media debate over President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" and how best to reform Medicaid, The Hill reported.
On Friday, Hochul scolded Stefanik for supporting Trump's budget, saying in a post on X that the bill will "put five hospitals in her district on the chopping block, endangering her own constituents' lives, health, and jobs—all to serve Donald Trump."
"I won't stand for it. I'm fighting like hell to save New Yorkers' health care," she added.
Stefanik, who reportedly is preparing to officially launch a bid to challenge Hochul, responded in a post on X: "Hi, @KathyHochul! Welcome to the fight. You didn't get exposed enough during our last round when you testified and were totally exposed for your dangerous and failed sanctuary state policies?? Let's do Medicaid now.
"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.
"Kathy gives Medicaid to ILLEGALS 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 continued.
"Oh and Kathy, your numbers in rural NY are plummeting (just like they are everywhere else). I have been nationally recognized as the TOP advocate to deliver results for rural hospitals due to my work for hospitals in my district. #NY21 PS - Tag me next time."
Stefanik rose to national prominance in 2023 when she called out the presidents of several Ivy League universities for their inability to crack down on campus antisemitism. Insiders suspect it is only a matter of days before she officially announces her candidacy for governor.
While Stefanik is popular in GOP circles, New York has not elected a Republican governor since George Pataki left office on Jan. 1, 2007 after serving three terms.
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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