(Editor’s note: This letter was written before the news that Democrats temporarily abandoned their attempt to change New York’s special election timeline).

To the editor:

Hochul and her political cronies are trying to block a speedy NY-21 Congressional District special election.

As the old adage goes, the governor and her allies’ decision to delay the special election amounts to — for an extended period and without justification.

Just one year ago, Governor Kathy Hochul took a very different approach when a vacancy arose in a Democrat-held district in Long Island and Queens. Now, with a vacancy in New York’s 21st Congressional District — a Republican-held district (with many federally run facilities) her stance has mysteriously shifted.

In 2024, Hochul swiftly called a special election to fill George Santos’ vacant seat, holding the election on Feb. 13, 2024, in accordance with the law. At the time, she justified her decision by stating:

So what’s changed? The only difference I see is good old-fashioned New York state partisan politics. The people of New York’s 21st Congressional District deserve the same swift action and representation that Hochul so passionately defended just a year ago.

Jim Zecca

Oneida County

Republican Executive Committee member

Utica