Elise Stefanik blasts ‘out of touch’ and ‘unpopular’ Kathy Hochul in blistering governor’s race ad: ‘This bulls–t has to stop’

Republican gubernatorial candidate Elise Stefanik ripped Kathy Hochul in a blistering new ad Friday that was essentially a montage of the Democratic incumbent’s lowlights as New York governor. 

The minute-long spot, titled “Kathy’s Own Words: This Bulls–t Has to Stop,” is the second statewide digital ad released by the upstate congresswoman since the launch of her New York gubernatorial campaign.

The ad begins with an image of Hochul and newscasters repeating the phrase, “Worst governor in America” – which is how Stefanik referred to the incumbent when she launched her campaign last week. 

“Hochul is out of touch,” the narrator says, before brutal clips of Hochul’s missteps as governor play – including her May 2024 assertion that black children “growing up in the Bronx” don’t know what the word “computer” means.

Footage of hecklers taunting Hochul last month with “Tax the Rich” chants at New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s rally with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), as well as the governor’s, “I can hear you” response is also shown. 

“Unpopular,” the narrator continues, as a clip of the Empire State gov. getting viciously booed in September at the Ryder Cup golf tournament on Long Island is played. 

“Not for us,” the voiceover states, ahead of a clip of Stefanik hammering Hochul in an interview for making New York “the most unaffordable state in the nation.” 

Stefanik then uses the governor’s own words against her, with a clip of Hochul telling reporters: “This bulls–t has to stop.”

“It’s time to save New York,” the ad concludes. “Elise for governor.” 

In a statement, Stefanik said the “bulls–t” will stop when voters head to the polls next November. 

“Kathy Hochul has earned the title of Worst Governor in America because she has made New York the most unaffordable state in the nation,” the congresswoman said. “These are your words Kathy: ‘This bulls–t has to stop.’

“And it will when Republicans, Democrats, and Independents unify next November to fire Kathy Hochul and save New York with common-sense policies that make our state affordable and safe.”

A poll released earlier this week found Stefanik nearly neck-and-neck with the governor.

Hochul was backed by 46% of voters to 43% for Stefanik, which was within the margin of error, according to the survey conducted by J.L. Partners.