NY Congressman Calls Governor Hochul an "Idiot" Over Tax Policy

Lawler criticizes Hochul's tax policies on Fox News show

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:06pm

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On Friday, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) appeared on the Fox News Channel's "The Will Cain Show" and called New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) a "grade A idiot" due to her tax policies. Lawler, a Republican congressman from New York, strongly criticized Hochul's approach to taxation in the state.

Why it matters

Lawler's comments highlight the ongoing political tensions and partisan disagreements over tax policy in New York state. As a Republican, Lawler is taking a hardline stance against the Democratic governor's fiscal agenda, which could foreshadow further clashes between the two parties on economic issues.

The details

During his appearance on the Fox News program, Lawler accused Hochul of pursuing misguided tax policies that are harming New Yorkers. The congressman claimed Hochul's approach demonstrates she is an "idiot" who does not understand the negative impacts her tax plans are having on residents and businesses.

  • The interview with Rep. Lawler aired on Fox News on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Rep. Mike Lawler

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York.

Gov. Kathy Hochul

The Democratic governor of New York state.

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What they’re saying

“Hochul Is a 'Grade A Idiot'”

— Rep. Mike Lawler, U.S. Congressman

The takeaway

Lawler's harsh criticism of Hochul's tax policies on a prominent national news program underscores the deep partisan divide over fiscal issues in New York state. As the 2026 election cycle approaches, this exchange foreshadows a potentially contentious political battle over the direction of the state's economy.