South Shore Press Video Vault: Steve Levy on the Future of the NYS GOP

Former Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy says Republicans face an increasingly difficult political landscape following Gov. Kathy Hochul's reelection victory over Bruce Blakeman. The former assemblyman and 2010 gubernatorial hopeful joined South Shore Press Managing Editor Stefan Mychajliw to discuss New York's changing political demographics, the Republican Party's future and his concerns about taxes, spending and Democratic control of Albany.

Mychajliw: You ran for governor in 2010. What's your reaction to the Blakeman-Hochul results?

Levy: "Even back then, 2010, the demographics were stacked against Republicans. But now it's even worse." Levy pointed to Democratic strength in New York City, growing Democratic registration on Long Island and Democratic control of major upstate cities. "Anyone, Bruce Blakeman, myself, Lee Zeldin, it was an uphill battle."

Mychajliw: Were you surprised by the size of Blakeman's defeat?

Levy: "Of course, there was a wave." Levy said Republican candidates struggled in several states, describing the election as part of a national political shift. "It was a wave and you gotta roll with it and you gotta hope that we can come back and learn from it."

Mychajliw: Republicans also suffered legislative losses. How does the party regroup?

Levy: "It's really hard." Levy argued that Democratic officeholders strengthen their political positions through government employment, public benefits and election-law changes. He specifically criticized moving local elections to even-numbered years, arguing that higher Democratic turnout makes Republican victories more difficult.

"Once they get the power and they play these games, it's very, very tough for the minority party to get out."

Mychajliw: Do you expect Hochul and Albany Democrats to move further left over the next four years?

Levy: "Yeah, because there's no punishment for doing so." Levy criticized increases in electricity costs, congestion pricing and other taxes, predicting further pressure for higher income taxes.

"She will increase income taxes at the behest of Mamdani next year because she sees I can do this and I'm in a state that covers me."

Mychajliw: What's your biggest concern about Democratic control of state government?

Levy: "One of the scariest parts that I'll leave with you, Stefan, is the fact that the Democrats won a supermajority."

Levy warned that lawmakers could advance expensive pension enhancements and other legislation previously blocked by gubernatorial vetoes. He expressed concern that the possibility of veto overrides could weaken fiscal restraints.

"All of those fluff bills that used to be throwaway that was just for a press release that would never get passed. Now there's a very good chance that the governor might say, 'Hey, they're gonna override me anyway. I might as well sign off.'"

His warning to New York taxpayers was unmistakable.

"Hold on to your pocketbook."