Hochul meets AOC but condemns chant deemed antisemitic at rally

Governor Kathy Hochul and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez met for a discussion on data-center moratoriums in Hopewell Junction, where Hochul explicitly rejected the “from the river to the sea” chant that had been shouted at a recent AOC rally in Ithaca. She described the slogan as antisemitic and inconsistent with Democratic Party principles. Despite the criticism, Hochul emphasized her policy alignment with AOC on affordability and curbing perceived excesses of the Trump administration.

The governor noted ongoing talks about another joint campaign stop before Election Day, while asserting she is not dependent on AOC for votes. Hochul’s campaign is navigating a tight race against Republican Bruce Blakeman, with polls showing her margin could shift based on Democratic turnout in New York City.