GOP Warns Hochul Will Raise Taxes After Election, Just Like With Congestion Pricing

Republican officials claim the New York governor will pull a "switcheroo" on taxes, similar to her handling of congestion pricing.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Republican elected officials in New York have accused Governor Kathy Hochul of planning to raise taxes after the November elections, similar to how she "pulled the wool over the eyes of taxpayers" by pausing and then reinstating congestion pricing after the 2024 campaigns. They warn voters not to trust Hochul, citing her "track record" on the congestion pricing issue.

Why it matters

This accusation highlights the ongoing political tensions and distrust between Republicans and Democrats in New York state, as well as concerns about transparency and accountability in the governor's office. The debate over taxes and fees like congestion pricing is a major issue impacting New Yorkers' cost of living.

The details

Republican officials, including the GOP gubernatorial nominee Bruce Blakeman and Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, claim Hochul will raise taxes on the middle class after the November election, just as she did with congestion pricing. They say Hochul "pulled the wool over the eyes of taxpayers" by pausing congestion pricing before the 2024 election and then reinstating it afterwards. GOP Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and State Senator Andrew Lanza also expressed skepticism about Hochul's trustworthiness on tax issues.

  • In June 2024, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority was scheduled to implement congestion pricing.
  • In 2024, Hochul issued a 'pause' or suspension of the congestion pricing program amid backlash.
  • In November 2024, after the elections, Hochul resurrected congestion pricing with a lower $9 fee.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York who is seeking re-election.

Bruce Blakeman

The Republican nominee for Governor of New York.

Michael Tannousis

A Republican Assemblyman and the Staten Island Republican Party chairman.

Joann Ariola

A Republican New York City Councilwoman from Queens.

Nicole Malliotakis

A Republican Congresswoman representing Staten Island and southern Brooklyn.

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What they’re saying

“Once elected Hochul did a U Turn on congestion pricing and she will do the same by raising taxes on not just millionaires but all middle class families through higher utility bills, commuter costs and hidden fees.”

— Bruce Blakeman, GOP gubernatorial nominee

“Last year, Governor Hochul pulled the wool over the eyes of taxpayers by first pausing congestion pricing and then resuming it after Election Day. There is no reason to believe that she won't do the same with raising taxes after November.”

— Michael Tannousis, Assemblyman and Staten Island GOP chairman

“Hochul did it with congestion pricing. She'll do it with taxes.”

— Joann Ariola, GOP Councilwoman

“When it comes to taking money from New Yorkers, Kathy Hochul just can't be trusted.”

— Nicole Malliotakis, GOP Congresswoman

“The single greatest factor and cause of New York's unaffordability problem: Democrat and socialist taxes and policies.”

— Andrew Lanza, State Senator

What’s next

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The takeaway

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