Governor Kathy Hochul unexpectedly cancelled appearances in the North Country on Saturday, where demonstrators discontented with her prison policies were assembled, sources revealed to The Post.
The governor opted out of a ribbon-cutting event celebrating the transformation of an old rail line into a hiking and biking trail at Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks.
This sudden alteration led some attendees to speculate that it was a deliberate evasion, although the governor claimed her adjusted itinerary had no relation to the protests.
In her invitation, Hochul’s North Country representative, Allison Webbinaro, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We are looking forward to celebrating this exciting occasion with you!”
The timing of the event was shifted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday when it was reported that Hochul would not be attending at all, according to sources present at the scene.
One attendee shared that dozens of individuals protesting Hochul’s policies were present alongside a “Team Trump” MAGA bus, with a notable police presence surrounding the area.
“Suddenly, they moved chairs and posters indoors, locked all the doors, and had someone with an iPad checking names against the invitation list at the entrance,” the anonymous participant stated.
“So it really looked like she was on her way. Then, all at once, the police started to depart, and people began to leave as well,” the participant added.
Additionally, sources indicated that Hochul was anticipated to attend a mountain hiking event at Whiteface Mountain nearby.
Some of the demonstrators waiting for the governor included state correctional officers dissatisfied with her prison policies, as it has been reported that the state’s prisons face a staffing shortage of about 5,000 workers.
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Hochul dismissed 2,000 officers, many of whom had participated in an unlawful job action earlier in March due to working conditions, prompting the National Guard to supplement staffing in numerous understaffed facilities.
The National Guard remains stationed in many prisons, as recruitment efforts have yet to yield substantial increases in staff numbers.
Nonetheless, Hochul rebuffed any accusations of attempting to sidestep the protesters, stating that the Tupper Lake rail event was under consideration but ultimately conflicted with her Canadian itinerary.
“As outlined in the governor’s daily public schedule, Governor Hochul spent the weekend engaging with Canadian business leaders and government officials to mend the frayed tourism and trade relations impacted by President Trump and Congressional Republicans,” Hochul’s spokesperson Jen Goodman noted.
Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is considering a bid for governor in 2026, dismissed the explanation.
“It’s a universally acknowledged truth that Kathy Hochul is the most unpopular elected official in New York State,” stated Alex DeGrasse, a senior adviser to Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).
“Whether it’s cancelling several events in Upstate New York or getting booed by crowds on Long Island last week at the Ryder Cup, she garners animosity from Republicans, disdain from independents, widespread dislike from Democrats, and is openly mocked by leftist elements.”
“If she is intimidated by a few Upstate patriots, especially the correctional officers, she should brace herself for the upcoming election campaign,” DeGrasse added.
Stefanik has similarly encountered protesters within her own North Country district.
This past summer, she was interrupted by activists during an event commemorating a longtime county clerk.
