Trump’s Comeback: A Challenging Road Ahead for New York Democrats
Trump’s return to power could complicate issues like SALT cap and Medicaid for New York Democrats
Trump, New York, SALT Cap, Medicaid, Kathy Hochul, Affordable Care Act
We’ve got Albany, which is solidly blue under Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, and then there’s Washington, now red with Trump leading the charge. The clash between these two is bound to create some drama.
I’ll be keeping an eye on how these two sides interact. It’s a big change from the last few years when Democrats had more control in D.C. It feels a bit like a throwback to when Trump first took office back in 2017.
As a reporter for the Journal News, I’m all about tracking the latest in government and politics. That means I’ll be covering everything from budgets in Albany to congressional races in the Hudson Valley, always with a focus on how it impacts New Yorkers.
There are definitely some potential clashes on the horizon. Remember when New York, under Cuomo, butted heads with a Republican-led D.C. over the Affordable Care Act? That was a close call for Medicaid funding. Cuomo also fought hard against the SALT cap, which he said was a direct hit to New York’s economy.
Now, the SALT cap is back on the table for 2025. Both parties from high-tax states want to change it, and Trump has promised to address it. But not all Republicans are on board, so it’s anyone’s guess how that will play out.
Medicaid funding could also stir up some trouble again. Plus, Trump’s plans for mass deportation are already sparking protests in New York, and there’s talk of a statewide sanctuary law. And let’s not forget about the new congestion toll in Manhattan that Trump wants to scrap.
Hochul has made it clear she’ll fight any federal moves that hurt New York, but she’s also open to working with Trump on shared goals. Still, the political landscape is shifting, with more voters leaning toward Trump, even if he lost the state overall.
This year, Hochul’s focus will be on tackling New York’s high living costs, which voters have highlighted as a top concern. She’s proposed sending out “inflation refund” checks, but critics are calling it a gimmick.
Looking ahead, New York won’t have state or federal elections in 2025, but Hochul’s re-election campaign will be a big story. Plus, there’s Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from Rockland County, who might run for governor in 2026.
Chris McKenna covers government and politics for The Journal News and USA Today Network. You can reach him at cmckenna@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Trump’s return to GOP-run DC shifts course for Hochul, NY Dem leaders.