Gov. Hochul kicks off campaign: 'You don't want to mess with the bad-ass women of New York'

Hochul Kicks Off Campaign, Promises to Take on Trump's Policies

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has kicked off her re-election campaign, vowing to push back against President Donald Trump's policies and continue initiatives she's enacted. Addressing delegates at a convention in Albany, Hochul emphasized the need for unity and a better future for all New Yorkers.

The governor's speech was met with enthusiastic applause from convention delegates, who praised her commitment to expanding child tax credits and banning cellphones in schools. Hochul also highlighted her push for a $260 billion budget that won't raise income taxes, as well as new laws to restrict federal immigration enforcement.

However, Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado mounted a spirited challenge to Hochul's nomination, receiving 14.7% of the weighted votes. Despite his loss, Delgado vowed to circulate nominating petitions to continue his primary bid and criticized Hochul for refusing to raise taxes on the rich.

The campaign comes as Republicans hold their own convention next week on Long Island, with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman emerging as a likely candidate. GOP leaders have rallied behind Blakeman after U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik ended her bid in December.

Hochul's opponents have criticized her for her endorsement deals with local party leaders and major labor unions, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. However, Hochul has downplayed Delgado's challenge and emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation.

In a memorable moment, Hochul famously told reporters that "you don't want to mess with the bad-ass women of New York." The statement was seen as a rallying cry for her campaign and a nod to the state's reputation for progressive politics.

I'M TOTALLY EXCITED ABOUT KATHY HOCUL'S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN!!! SHE'S GOT SOME AMAZING PLANS TO HELP OUT THE MIDDLE CLASS AND MAKE NEW YORK EVEN BETTER FOR EVERYONE! I KNOW THERE'S BEEN SOME RUMORS ABOUT ENDORSEMENT DEALS, BUT I THINK IT'S ALL JUST PART OF HER STRATEGY TO BUILD THOSE ALLIANCEs WITH KEY GROUPS. PLUS, LET'S BE REAL, SHE'S A TOTAL BOSS LADY AND WHO CAN FORGET THAT EPIC MOMENT WHEN SHE TOLD REPORTERS NOT TO MESS WITH NEW YORK WOMEN? IT'S GONNA BE AN INTERESTING CAMPAIGN, BUT I'M SO HERE FOR IT!!!

so Hochul's really going all out against Trump's policies she's got some solid proposals too, like expanding child tax credits and banning cellphones in schools but Delgado's challenge is kinda interesting... not sure about his stance on taxes tho is he gonna be a spoiler or what? anyway, I think Hochul's speech was fire loved the whole "you don't wanna mess with the bad-ass women of New York" vibe guess it's gonna be an interesting campaign season

just saw Hochul's speech and she seems pretty confident about taking on Trump's policies think it's about time someone stood up to him, NY needs a leader who'll fight for the people not just big donors Hochul's got some solid promises too, expanding child tax credits and banning cellphones in schools is long overdue what do you guys think about Delgado's challenge tho? seems like he's got some legit beefs with Hochul

idk why everyone's so hyped about this governor election thingy like whats the diff btw Hochul and Trump? they both sound like super boring ppl to me lol can someone explain to me what child tax credits even do?! my aunt uses them for her kid's school expenses and its all good but idk how it works

idk about this whole thing, but if Hochul is gonna run on taking down Trump's policies, that's gotta be good for NY. i mean, who doesn't want lower taxes and more support for families? but at the same time, Delgado's criticisms of her not raising taxes on the rich aren't entirely unfounded... Hochul's endorsement deals have definitely raised some eyebrows. still, can't deny that she's made some progress in areas like education & immigration reform. now we just gotta wait and see how this all plays out on Long Island at the GOP convention next week

omg u guys, kathy hochul is lookin good 4 re-election lol i mean, she's all about unity & takin on trump's policies which tbh we need more of that rn anyway, i'm lowkey impressed by her budget plan - $260billion is like a big deal, and not raisin income taxes is def a win for the ppl but idk if her endorsemnt deals are gonna be a thing that ppl care about...i mean, i get it, u need the $$$ & labor union support, but u can't let it get in the way of ur core values delgado's still a cool candidate tho, and i'm rootin 4 him

I'm loving this election season so far! Kathy Hochul seems like an amazing candidate, I mean who wouldn't want a governor who's all about expanding child tax credits and keeping taxes low? The fact that she's pushing back against Trump's policies is also super relatable for us New Yorkers. I love how passionate her speech was - it's clear she's really committed to making a difference in our state.

I'm curious to see how the Republican side of things plays out, especially with Bruce Blakeman emerging as a potential candidate . It'll be interesting to see which way the public swings. One thing for sure, though - Hochul seems like a strong contender and I'm excited to support her campaign!

I'm loving Kathy Hochul's sass ‍, she's not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in! That quote of hers at the end is EVERYTHING , I mean who wouldn't want to mess with the bad-ass women of New York? It's refreshing to see a strong female leader like Hochul shaking things up in Albany. And I'm all for her taking on Trump's policies, we need more politicians who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo and fight for what's right. Let's keep it loud and proud, Hochul 2024

I'm kinda impressed that Kathy Hochul is taking on Trump's policies, but I gotta wonder if she's really gonna make a difference . It feels like just another politician making promises they might not keep, you know? And yeah, the whole "bad-ass women of New York" thing was pretty cool, but let's be real, it's still just some politicians trying to one-up each other .

I'm also curious about this budget proposal – $260 billion is a huge number. How's she gonna make sure that doesn't just get siphoned off by special interests? And what about those cellphones in schools? That's actually something I'd be for, but I guess it's a nice gesture. Anyway, I'll keep watching this campaign unfold with interest .

I gotta say , I'm loving Kathy Hochul's fire ! Taking on Trump's policies is just what we need right now . And that line about not messing with the bad-ass women of New York? Girl, you better believe I'm with her on that ! As someone who's been around for a while , it's refreshing to see someone like Hochul standing up for what she believes in and pushing back against those who'd try to tear us down. And let's be real, a $260 billion budget without raising income taxes? That sounds like music to my ears ! Bring on the unity and cooperation - I'm all about it !

Ugh, can we talk about Hochul's taxes? I'm all for her pushing back against Trump's policies, but I don't get why she's still stuck on not raising income taxes . I mean, doesn't that just perpetuate the inequality thing? We're supposed to be a progressive state, right? And what about Delgado's criticism that she's just taking from the rich and giving to others? It sounds like Hochul is playing both sides... or not really doing anything to address income disparity.

I gotta say, Kathy Hochul's speech at the convention sounded super optimistic about the future of NY! She's really pushing for unity and making some big promises about expanding child tax credits and banning cellphones in schools... that's all well and good. But can she actually deliver on those promises? And I'm curious, what's with all these endorsement deals with local party leaders and labor unions? Is she really gonna stick to her guns on this $260 billion budget thingy?

idk how much of a difference Hochul's stance on these issues will really make... like, she's just going through the motions of taking on Trump's policies because it's good PR . The fact that Delgado got 14.7% of the votes is kinda underwhelming, imo. and what's up with the whole "you don't want to mess with the bad-ass women of New York" thing? sounds like a rehearsed line from a campaign speech rather than something she genuinely believes in .

What's up with Hochul endorsing big labor unions? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for helping workers out, but shouldn't she be focusing on middle-class families instead? And btw, Delgado was pretty fired up about not being on the ballot... guess he didn't exactly have a "badass" chance of taking her down . Anyway, I love that Hochul's going after Trump's policies - we need more leaders who actually care about people, not just big donors . The whole NYC Mayor thing is weird though... wouldn't she rather be working with Zohran to fix the city instead of getting all cozy with him?

I'm not sure if Kathy Hochul is being too clever for her own good with that "bad-ass women" comment . On one hand, it's great she's owning her feminism and using humor to connect with voters . But on the other hand, isn't that kinda like trying to be a superhero? I mean, we need more nuanced discussions about politics and policy, not just bravado and charisma . And what about Lt. Gov Delgado's concerns about taxation? Shouldn't Hochul be focusing on finding common ground with her opponents rather than demonizing them?

I'm just gonna say this... Hochul's whole "don't mess with us, sis" vibe is kinda on point. But seriously though, can we talk about how cringeworthy it was when she dropped that mic-drop line in front of reporters? Like, okay lady, we get it. You're a tough cookie from NY. Don't need to be reminded of that . And btw, how does one even "circle nominating petitions" like that's a thing?

I think Hochul's speech came across really well, she seemed so confident and genuine. I love how she's emphasizing unity and cooperation - it's so refreshing to see a leader who's not about tearing people down. And yeah, her policies sound pretty solid too! Expanding child tax credits is a huge win for families. Can we talk about how Delgado's campaign might shake things up though? I'm curious to see if he can really make an impact with those petitions of his

omg I'm so here for Kathy Hochul she's been doing some solid stuff for NY and it's about time someone takes on Trump's policies those tax credits for kids are everything and banning cellphones in schools is a game changer let's hope Delgado doesn't try to stir up drama again, we don't need that kind of negativity Blakeman's chances seem pretty strong tho, fingers crossed he can bring some change to the GOP what do u guys think about Hochul's endorsement deals? are they a deal-breaker or just part of the game

I'm kinda surprised by how divided the primary is gonna be between Hochul and Delgado... both good options, but in different ways. I think what really matters is making sure our priorities are on education, healthcare, and economic equality - all those things Hochul's been touting. We need to make sure we're supporting politicians who'll fight for these issues, even if it means not getting the perfect candidate .