New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, suggested that Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik would have been a tougher opponent in the 2026 governor's race than the actual GOP candidate, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The remark, made to Newsday's editorial board, is notable because it appears to slight her own general election rival, and Blakeman hit back sharply, comparing Hochul to Disney villain Cruella de Vil.

Asked whether Stefanik, who had considered running before declining last December, would have been stronger, Hochul replied, "Probably. I mean, Bruce is, you know, Bruce." She cited Stefanik's national profile and fundraising ability, saying it "would have been a different race," while insisting her polling showed her beating Stefanik too. Blakeman accused Hochul of trying to distract from her record on taxes, electricity bills and healthcare costs. Stefanik had been seen as the GOP primary frontrunner before dropping out.