The Left loves to look through the lens of race. But this is despicable.
And now a Democrat Governor says the quiet part out loud in a racist speech.
Controversial Remarks at Buffalo Church
New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed congregants at True Bethel Baptist Church in Buffalo, discussing upcoming “inflation refund” checks to be mailed to eligible residents through November.
During her remarks, she advised, “Checks are coming out soon, watch the mail. Okay? Okay? Don’t spend it all in one day. Get something you really need. Okay? Don’t stop by the liquor store. Buy something for the kids. Buy them some food.”
The comment, intended as lighthearted, drew a mixed reaction from the largely Black congregation and sparked sharp criticism from political figures who deemed it racially insensitive and stereotypical. Hochul’s history of controversial statements, including a May 2024 claim that “some young black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is,” has fueled accusations of a pattern of demeaning rhetoric toward Black communities.
The backlash reflects broader discontent with Hochul’s leadership, with critics arguing her remarks reveal a disconnect from the communities she serves. The incident has intensified scrutiny of her governance as she faces a challenging re-election bid in 2026.
Political Fallout and Accusations of Insensitivity
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Hochul’s primary Democratic challenger for 2026, condemned the remarks as part of a troubling trend.
“This is not the first time Governor Hochul has demeaned Black communities with her words,” Delgado stated, referencing her 2024 Bronx comment. “Now, from the pulpit of a predominantly Black church, she warns families not to spend their rebate checks at the liquor store. That’s a pattern — and it’s racist.”
He argued that Black New Yorkers need “respect” and “investment” in housing, childcare, and healthcare, not “lectures or insults.” Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), a potential gubernatorial candidate, echoed Delgado, calling Hochul’s tone “condescending” and accusing her of “doubling down on her arrogant and patronizing tone towards the African American community.”
Tuulikki Robertson of The Black Institute expressed being “deeply troubled” by Hochul’s remarks, arguing they reinforce harmful stereotypes.
The criticism paints Hochul as out of touch, with her comments perceived as undermining the dignity of Black families and exacerbating racial tensions, particularly in a state with diverse urban communities like Buffalo and the Bronx.
Hochul’s Response and Defenders’ Context
Hochul addressed the controversy on September 10 in Manhattan, acknowledging, “I also said I’d be willing to stop by a store. And in that context I wasn’t making any generalization about any particular community at all. Also, as I reflect on it, it’s not the best way to talk about – I was trying to make an argument of how to put money back in people’s pockets.”
She described the remark as a “lighthearted joke” made among friends at a church she has attended for 20 years, adding, “Listen, my intention is never to offend anybody in that context and regret that that is the takeaway for some people.” Her apology aimed to clarify her intent but failed to quell critics who see her remarks as indicative of broader insensitivity.
State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D-Buffalo), present at the service, defended Hochul, stating, “Governor Hochul’s remarks about rebate checks over the weekend could have been worded better but the congregation at True Bethel Baptist Church understood the point she was trying to make about spending that money wisely.” Bishop Darius Pridgen, who introduced Hochul, agreed, noting the sermon’s focus on “personal responsibility” provided context, and said, “She definitely wasn’t speaking out of turn, if you will.”
However, these defenses have been overshadowed by accusations from Delgado and Stefanik that Hochul’s critics are exploiting the incident for political gain, highlighting the polarized political climate as the 2026 election looms.
