Staten Island challenger questions Malliotakis' reaction to State of the Union ejection

Democratic opponent Troy McGhie raises concerns over congresswoman's behavior during incident involving Rep. Al Green's sign.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photo taken shortly before Rep. Al Green was ejected from the State of the Union address for holding a sign that read 'Black People Aren't Apes' is being shared by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis' Democratic challenger, Troy McGhie. McGhie is questioning Malliotakis' reaction, captured in the image, where she is seen pointing up the aisle. A spokesperson for Malliotakis said the congresswoman did not see the text on Green's sign until it was posted online.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing racial tensions and the divisive political climate, with McGhie, an African American, criticizing Malliotakis' response as insensitive to her constituents of color. The photo has sparked a debate over the appropriate way to protest during the State of the Union address.

The details

The photo shows Malliotakis standing behind Rep. Al Green, who was ejected from the State of the Union for holding the sign. Malliotakis is seen pointing up the aisle, which her opponent McGhie has interpreted as an inappropriate reaction. Malliotakis' office said she did not see the text on Green's sign until it was posted online, and that while she agrees with the sentiment, disrupting the president's address is unacceptable.

  • On Tuesday night, Rep. Al Green was ejected from the State of the Union address for holding a sign that read 'Black People Aren't Apes'.
  • The photo of Malliotakis' reaction was taken shortly before Green was ejected.

The players

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis

The Republican congresswoman representing New York's 11th congressional district, which includes Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn.

Troy McGhie

The Democratic challenger running against Malliotakis in the NY-11 race, a career educator from New Brighton.

Rep. Al Green

The Texas Democratic congressman who was ejected from the State of the Union address for holding the sign.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For the second year in a row, Rep. Al Green disrupted the President's State of the Union and had to be removed by the House Sergeant at Arms for lack of decorum. Despite agreeing with Green's sign, disrespect toward the President during this important address is unacceptable and anyone who tries to defend that type of inappropriate behavior has no business serving in Congress.”

— Spokesperson for Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (Advance/SILive.com)

“I wanted him to know, and I wanted them to see it and hear it. Up close. But judging from the expression on his face, he got the message. He saw it.”

— Rep. Al Green (Fox News)

What’s next

Attorneys for Malliotakis have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in the ongoing redistricting effort that could shift the boundaries of the NY-11 district, likely giving Democrats an edge.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the continued racial tensions and partisan divides in American politics, with the photo of Malliotakis' reaction sparking a debate over the appropriate way to protest during the State of the Union. As the NY-11 race heats up, the handling of this situation could impact voter perceptions of the candidates' sensitivity to the concerns of all their constituents.