Stefanik blasts Hochul for ‘flip flop’ on energy policies over natural gas ban
New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik criticized governor Kathy Hochul for reversing her position on the stateS natural gas ban, specifically regarding a law that would require most new buildings to have only electric appliances. Stefanik accused Hochul of causing uncertainty and potentially raising energy costs for families and small businesses by flipping her stance multiple times. Hochul recently described her approach to the issue as “all of the above,” emphasizing affordability and governing “in reality,” which has drawn concern from both Republicans and moderate Democrats. Stefanik, gearing up for the 2026 gubernatorial race, has received strong support from the state GOP and highlighted Hochul’s past policy decisions as harmful to New Yorkers. Simultaneously occurring, the New York State Democratic Party defended Hochul, citing her efforts on tax cuts and inflation relief. current polls show Stefanik trailing Hochul but narrowing the gap slightly.
Stefanik blasts Hochul for ‘flip flop’ on energy policies over natural gas ban
New York gubernatorial candidate Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is knocking Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) on her shifting thoughts towards the state’s natural gas ban.
Hochul recently backtracked on implementing a law that would require most new buildings to have only electric appliances. Stefanik says Hochul’s hesitancy amounts to a “flip-flop” on the issue that is “causing more uncertainty” for the state’s residents.
“Kathy Hochul’s constant flip-flops on her ban of natural gas for our homes are causing more uncertainty for New Yorkers — especially the 60% of families who rely on this important resource to heat their homes,” Stefanik exclusively told the Washington Examiner.
“By once again pushing a natural gas ban after repeatedly flipping her position, Hochul will cause energy prices to skyrocket, making New York even more unaffordable for hardworking families and small businesses. Every election year, Kathy Hochul tries to lie to New Yorkers and then screw them after Election Day, just like her painful and destructive congestion tax,” she added.
Hochul said late last month that she’s looking “for an all of the above approach” to the electric building issue. “I’m going to look at this with a very realistic approach and do what I can, because my number one focus is affordability right now,” she added.
The governor said earlier this month that she needs to “govern in reality.”
Republicans and moderate Democrats have fought Hochul’s natural gas ban and have asked the governor to pause the implementation. Her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, has used her “all of the above” approach to fuel his primary challenge against her.
“She did not just approve a fossil fuel project. She made a moral choice,” Delgado said. “New Yorkers deserve a governor who does not treat the climate crisis as a PR problem, but as a test of moral leadership.”
Stefanik will have to beat Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to get the Republican nomination in 2026. She’s likely to, given the state’s Republican backing of her. NY GOP leader Ed Cox said earlier this month that Stefanik is “the warrior we need to lead the fight against Democrats’ corrupt Albany machine.”
She also recently received the support of former gubernatorial rival Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY).
The New York State Democratic Party attacked Stefanik for rising prices on Wednesday. “While Stefanik tries to turkey-trot away from her cost-raising record, Gov. Hochul is putting money back in New Yorkers’ pockets with middle-class tax cuts, inflation refund checks, and universal free school meals,” New York State Democratic Party Spokesperson Addison Dick told the Washington Examiner.
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Stefanik is trailing in the polls against the governor, though she has gained some ground. A recent survey showed her trailing Hochul by 52-32%, which is five points better than the poll’s result in September.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Hochul campaign for a response to Stefanik’s comment, but received no reply.
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