Hochul Held Campaign Event With Ocasio-Cortez
The governor and the congresswoman discussed a proposed moratorium on data centers in Hopewell Junction.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Elections
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Governor Kathy Hochul and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez met in Hopewell Junction for a roundtable discussion centered on data center policy. The event aimed to energize Democratic voter turnout ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Why it matters
The appearance highlights Democratic efforts to consolidate support among party strongholds. It also forced Hochul to address controversial rhetoric used by Ocasio-Cortez supporters at a separate recent event.
Statewide polls were released by Siena and Quinnipiac universities in September 2026, though specific margins for the gubernatorial race between Kathy Hochul and Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman remain fluid.
The players
Kathy Hochul
She is the Governor of New York who is seeking reelection.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
She is a member of the United States House of Representatives representing New York's 14th district.
Bruce Blakeman
He is the Republican candidate challenging Kathy Hochul for the governorship of New York.
The details
Governor Hochul used the Hopewell Junction roundtable to discuss a potential moratorium on data centers while campaigning alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. During the proceedings, Hochul explicitly disavowed the phrase from the river to the sea, which was used by supporters at an Ocasio-Cortez event in Ithaca last week.
Timeline
September 2026: Statewide polls were released by Siena and Quinnipiac universities.
Last week: Ocasio-Cortez attended a campaign event in Ithaca.
Wednesday: Hochul held a roundtable event with Ocasio-Cortez in Hopewell Junction.
Election Day: Additional joint appearances are planned before this date.
Political Context
The push for a moratorium on data centers reflects a growing tension within New York's environmental and energy infrastructure regulations. Opposition figures have questioned the economic viability of such a policy, arguing that it could stifle regional tech development and energy goals.
The proposed moratorium on data centers could significantly alter local land use and tech sector investment across the state. Voters will need to weigh these potential regulatory changes against economic development priorities before casting their ballots.
The takeaway
Voters should track how the proposed data center moratorium could impact local infrastructure and energy prices in their communities. Evaluating the policy differences between the candidates is essential as the midterm election approaches.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming Elections in New York.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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