Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has publicly criticized New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, blaming her near-loss in the 2022 gubernatorial race for Democrats' failure to retain the House majority.

Pelosi voiced her concerns during a discussion at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, highlighting the impact of Hochul’s narrow victory over former Republican Representative Lee Zeldin, as the New York Post reports.

The former House Speaker’s comments come at a time when party unity is critical, as Democrats face mounting challenges ahead of the 2024 elections.

Pelosi Speaks at Democratic National Convention

Speaking at a POLITICO forum during the Democratic National Convention, Pelosi did not mince words about her thoughts on the midterm losses. She suggested that the contentious gubernatorial race in New York, which saw Hochul barely defeating Zeldin, was a major factor in the party’s inability to maintain control of the House. Republicans managed to flip four House seats in New York, a development Pelosi linked to the difficulties Hochul faced in her own race.

The losses were exacerbated by a complex redistricting process in New York. The state’s initial redistricting map, colloquially dubbed the "Hochulmander," was struck down by a court, forcing the creation of a new map by an independent party. This new district map ultimately benefited the Republican Party, aiding their efforts to regain control of the House.

Hochul Responds to Criticism

Hochul was quick to respond to Pelosi’s criticism, dismissing the former Speaker’s accusations during a television interview on Friday. Hochul emphasized that she does not agree with Pelosi's assessment, instead focusing on her ongoing efforts to strengthen the Democratic Party across the state. Since 2022, Hochul has concentrated on fundraising and has spearheaded a $5 million campaign aimed at bolstering the state’s Democratic base.

In her defense, Hochul highlighted the recent initiatives undertaken by New York Democrats, including the hiring of over 80 staff members and the opening of 35 field offices. These efforts, she argued, demonstrate her commitment to the party and her determination to secure future victories. Hochul’s remarks also underscored her belief in grassroots campaigning, stating that she has the experience and focus needed to win key races across New York.

Pelosi's Previous Criticism Resurfaces

This is not the first time Pelosi has criticized Hochul. Earlier in the year, she had a similar conversation with Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican who later publicly echoed Pelosi's sentiments. Lawler supported Pelosi's critique, labeling Hochul as ineffective and suggesting that her leadership has been a drag on the party’s fortunes.

Lawler’s criticism did not stop there. He also mocked Hochul’s speech at the Democratic National Convention, accusing her of driving the state "downward" and expressing embarrassment over her leadership. Hochul’s approval ratings have been declining, with recent polls indicating that her popularity is now lower than that of President Biden, who is facing increasing pressure over his potential 2024 re-election bid.

Gubernatorial Race and Its Aftermath

Hochul became governor in 2020 after Andrew Cuomo resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations. Her narrow victory in the 2022 gubernatorial race, where Zeldin received nearly 47% of the vote, marked the best showing for a GOP candidate in New York since 2002. Zeldin has since been critical of Hochul, particularly regarding her influence on vulnerable Democrats in battleground House races.

Zeldin’s attacks on Hochul have been relentless. He has gone as far as to suggest that Hochul should stay away from battleground districts to avoid further damaging the party’s chances in upcoming elections. He described her tenure as a "purposeful disaster," a sentiment that reflects the broader dissatisfaction among some Democrats and Republicans with Hochul’s leadership.

New York's Redistricting and Political Landscape

The political landscape in New York has been shaped by the legal battles over redistricting, with the current district maps remaining largely similar to those drawn by the independent expert. These maps, which were implemented after the courts struck down the initial proposal, have been a point of contention within the Democratic Party. Despite the absence of a nationwide "Red Wave" in 2022, Republicans in New York won all five toss-up races rated by the Cook Political Report, underscoring the challenges faced by Democrats in the state.

Hochul, who was first elected to the House in 2011 and known for occasionally breaking with her party, now finds herself at the center of a political storm. Her efforts to balance the interests of her constituents with the demands of her party have drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle.

In a particularly contentious move, Hochul paused the $15 congestion pricing toll on cars entering lower Manhattan, a decision that critics labeled as politically motivated. Hochul, however, defended the pause, citing concerns over inflation and the cost of living. She also promised to release a plan to address the $16.5 billion revenue loss for the MTA after the November elections.

Conclusion

Nancy Pelosi’s sharp criticism of Kathy Hochul has sparked a significant debate within the Democratic Party, highlighting the ongoing challenges the party faces in New York.

Hochul’s close gubernatorial race, combined with the contentious redistricting process, played a crucial role in the Democrats' loss of the House majority in 2022.

As Hochul continues to defend her record and work toward strengthening the party, the question remains whether she can regain the trust and support of both her constituents and her fellow Democrats.

The fallout from these events will likely have lasting implications as the party prepares for future electoral battles.