Congestion Pricing in NYS is Dead – Thanks to President Trump

New Yorkers can breathe a sigh of relief. The disastrous congestion pricing scheme is officially dead, thanks to President Donald J. Trump and his administration. In a major victory for working-class families and small businesses, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy formally withdrew federal approval for this deeply unpopular program, calling it “a slap in the face to working-class Americans and small business owners.”

Governor Kathy Hochul and her allies pushed congestion pricing as a revenue grab disguised as environmental policy, but the reality was simple: it was an unfair tax on hardworking New Yorkers who rely on their vehicles to commute, provide for their families, and contribute to the economy. Not to mention, it also forced those on a fixed income to take the crime-ridden subways, with the risks of being pushed on the tracks or assaulted at all-time highs.

As Secretary Duffy rightfully stated, “Every American should be able to access New York City regardless of their economic means. It shouldn’t be reserved for an elite few.” We commend President Trump and his administration for standing up for everyday New Yorkers and stopping yet another reckless tax-and-spend policy from the left. You can read our full press release here.

Join Us for the Conservative Party’s Legislative Reception

Mark your calendars! On March 19, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, the New York State Conservative Party will host our annual Legislative Reception at the prestigious Fort Orange Club in Albany, NY. This year, we are proud to honor two outstanding leaders in our movement: Schenectady County Conservative Party Chairman Jim Barrett and Suffolk County Executive Committee member Brett Robinson. Both of these men have demonstrated unwavering dedication to conservative principles and grassroots activism, making them deserving recipients of the esteemed J. Daniel Mahoney Award.

This event is a part of our annual efforts to bring together leaders, activists, and supporters who are committed to fighting for conservative values in New York. More information will be released in the coming days, but we encourage all to make plans to attend. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate our shared values, discuss the pressing issues facing our state, and recognize those who have gone above and beyond in service to the conservative cause.

Correction Officers Strike – Governor Hochul Must Act Now

Across New York State, Correction Officers are walking off the job in protest of dangerous and deteriorating working conditions. These men and women put their lives on the line every day to maintain order and protect the public, yet Governor Kathy Hochul’s policies such as the HALT Act, have left them vulnerable, unsupported, and ignored.

Instead of addressing the root cause of the crisis, rising violence, understaffing, and the reckless policies that have emboldened criminals, Hochul’s response has been nothing short of insulting; calling in the National Guard rather than fixing the broken system. This is not a solution, it’s a band-aid that does nothing to protect the hardworking officers who are being assaulted, overworked, and abandoned by the state government.

The New York State Conservative Party, myself, and our endorsed legislators stand firmly with our Correction Officers. They deserve respect, protection, and leadership that prioritizes their safety. Governor Hochul must stop appeasing radical activists and start addressing the legitimate concerns of our law enforcement community. Until then, the Conservative Party will continue to fight for policies that put our officers first and restore order to New York’s correctional facilities.

It’s time for Governor Hochul to listen, or face the consequences of ignoring those who keep our state safe.

Honoring Our Presidents and Celebrating Strong Leadership

On this Presidents’ Day weekend, the New York State Conservative Party proudly honors the legacy of the great men who have led our nation, from George Washington’s leadership to Abraham Lincoln’s courage and dedication to preserving the Union. The presidency is more than just an office, it is a solemn duty to uphold the Constitution, protect the freedoms of the American people, and ensure our country remains strong and prosperous for generations to come.

This year, we recognize not only the giants of our past but also the leadership of President Donald J. Trump. In just three short weeks since taking the oath of office on January 20, 2025, President Trump has already shown the strength and resolve necessary to put America back on the right track. His swift actions to secure our borders, reinvigorate our economy, his pro-life pardons, ending DEI, and restoring law and order prove that strong, decisive leadership is what this country needs now more than ever. Trump was not kidding when he said the Golden Age of America began with his 47^th Presidency.

From Executive Orders protecting American workers by prioritizing fair trade policies, to cutting red tape that stifles small businesses and putting an end to our border crisis, President Trump has wasted no time in delivering on the promises he made to the American people. His administration has already taken bold steps to safeguard our energy independence thanks to Lee Zeldin’s strong leadership, defending the integrity of our elections, and putting power back into the hands of the people rather than unelected bureaucrats. My favorite example, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE is fighting back against the outlandish spending of our government agencies, and clawing back our hard-earned tax dollars. With how corrupt and wasteful our government is, anything we save the taxpayers is a win in my book. I am excited to see the fruits of Trump’s labor, and prosperity for the American people over the next few years.

On this Presidents’ Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles that have made this country the greatest nation on earth: freedom, individual responsibility, limited government, and the rule of law. I recognize the importance of strong leadership in preserving our founding ideals, and I stand firmly behind a president who is fighting every day to make America Great Again. “Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way.” — Donald J. Trump

May God bless President Trump, our past leaders who guided us through history, and may God bless the United States of America!

CPPAC 2025: A Major Success

CPPAC 2025 was an incredible success, energizing conservatives across New York and beyond as we head into another crucial election year. Our two-day event this past Sunday and Monday featured an impressive lineup of conservative speakers who delivered powerful speeches on the most pressing issues facing our Nation and State. From discussions on election integrity to policies that promote economic growth, public safety, micron chips, and shed light on our Northern Border immigration crisis, every speaker reinforced our shared commitment to putting America first. The enthusiasm in the room was undeniable, and it was clear that attendees left more motivated than ever to engage in the political process. I would like to thank our speakers, legislators, committeemen, chairmen, and our supporters for making our conference great. Without you all, there would not be a Conservative Party. For those who couldn’t attend, we will soon be releasing photos and videos from the event so everyone can experience it firsthand. You can go to our Facebook here to see some of the pictures for now. I hope to see you again next year!

Pam Bondi Confirmed as U.S. Attorney General

The United States Senate has officially confirmed Pam Bondi as the next U.S. Attorney General, a strong and principled leader who will fully support President Trump’s agenda. Bondi, the former Attorney General of Florida, built a reputation as a tough prosecutor and staunch advocate for the rule of law. During her Senate hearing, while facing gross attacks from Democrats, Pam made it very clear she will follow the rule of law and will not be afraid to prosecute. Throughout her career, she has taken on major cases involving consumer fraud, human trafficking, and corporate misconduct, always putting the interests of the American people first. She is already off to a strong start in her new role, immediately taking action against sanctuary cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Her leadership at the Department of Justice will be critical in ensuring law and order, and we are confident that she will serve with integrity and common sense. Now, we still await the confirmation of RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel and Elise Stefanik. We anticipate the confirmation of all of President Trump’s Cabinet picks.

Democrats Election Manipulation

The biggest political controversy this week comes from Albany, where the Governor and Legislative Democrats were caught attempting to manipulate the political calendar to keep the 21^st Congressional District unfilled and to gain a major political advantage in the Brooklyn State Senate seat.

The Governor using a rarely issued emergency message was planning to introduce legislation that the Democratic Majorities would pass allowing her to significantly delay the Congressional election, leaving 770,000 residents unrepresented. In addition, the second part of the scheme would change the special election for State Senate in Brooklyn to Mayoral primary day. Thus, immensely increasing the odds of a Democrat winning a seat that Zeldin and Trump won overwhelmingly.

The Party called a press conference in Albany attended by myself, Congressman Mike Lawler, Senate GOP Leader Robert Ortt and Assembly GOP Leader Will Barclay. Ortt and Barclay declared that they would use every tactic at their disposal to fight in the Legislature. I indicated that the Conservative Party would take legal action and Congressman Lawler called for a DOJ RICO investigation of the NYS government.

We won the first round.  As of this writing, the bill and message which was expected to be introduced is on hold.  Although I cannot be certain what the final outcome will be, it is important that this blatant effort to interfere in an established political timetable be called out at every opportunity.  You can watch the full press conference with myself, Congressman Lawler, Leader Ortt and Leader Barclay here.

View the Full CPPAC Schedule Out Now

I know we have been talking about CPPAC for a while now, but the time has finally come! You can view the full schedule here:

Just to give you a glimpse of Sunday, the event begins at 11:30 AM with on-site registration/check-in, and at 12:15 PM, I will deliver the welcome address in Governor’s Hall. Following this, at 12:30 PM, Andrew Giuliani will present “The First 100 Days: A Personal Report of What to Expect from the President.” At 1:15 PM, pollster and strategic consultant John McLaughlin will discuss “How President Trump Made Gains in New York.”

At 2:00 PM, Maud Maron, a candidate for Manhattan District Attorney, will speak on “The Madness of Alvin Bragg’s Manhattan.” At 2:45 PM, Senator George Borrello and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh will lead “Surveying the Session: What Can New Yorkers Expect in 2025?” At 3:30 PM, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman will discuss “Winning the ‘Burbs: How Commonsense Conservatism Is Holding the Line on Long Island.”

At 4:15 PM, attendees can participate in breakout sessions. Options include “Campaign 101: What to Know About Hiring and Working with Political Consultants” with Thomas Dunham and Chapin D. Fay in Governor’s B, or “Leveraging Your Local Committee: How to Conduct Candidate Screening Interviews” with Gerard Kassar, Fran Vella-Marrone, and Chris Kendall in Governor’s Hall. At 5:00 PM, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin will give remarks, followed by “Meet the Members: Introducing the Conservative Class of ‘25” at 5:15 PM.

The evening continues at 6:00 PM with the “Rookie” Reception in the East Gallery, where guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and the opportunity to mingle with newly elected legislators, including State Senators Steve Chan and Rob Rolison, as well as Assembly Members Andrea Bailey, Paul Bologna, Patrick Chludzinski, Andrew Molitor, Daniel Norber, Joseph Sempolinski, Kalman Yeger, and Jamie Williams.

After-hour events begin at 8:00 PM, offering two options for attendees. “Catching Up with Your Fellow Conservative” will take place in the Lobby Lounge, while the “Cigar & Story Hour” will run until 11:00 PM at a location to be announced. Monday is just as packed with awesome speakers, Press Conferences, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Award Reception, and much more.

Zeldin Confirmed, Stefanik Advances to Floor Vote

Congratulations to former Congressman Lee Zeldin from Long Island on his confirmation as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. With a decisive Senate vote of 56-42, Zeldin has officially taken on this critical role. His years of experience representing New York, his strong stance on policy, and his commitment to protecting both the environment and American industry make him an excellent choice for the position. President Trump made a well-calculated nomination, ensuring that the EPA will be led by someone who understands the balance between environmental stewardship and economic growth. We have no doubt that Zeldin will bring his expertise and integrity to the agency, delivering results for the American people. You can read our press release here.

Meanwhile, another of New York’s own, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, has moved one step closer to confirmation for her new role. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has voted to advance her nomination to the Senate floor, which could very well be happening as you read this. Stefanik has been a powerhouse in Congress, known for her strong leadership, sharp policy acumen, and unwavering commitment to American interests both at home and abroad. Her experience and dedication make her the perfect candidate to be our next Ambassador to the UN. As the full Senate prepares to vote, we have every confidence that her confirmation will be swift and decisive. Elise has consistently proven herself as a champion for conservative values and a fierce advocate for her constituents, and there is no doubt that she will continue to excel in this new role.

Trump Ice Raids

We are only 11 days into the Trump Administration and we are already seeing extraordinary results. ICE has been active all over the country to find, arrest, and deport illegal alien criminals. What is best is, ICE is going directly into the belly of the beast, otherwise known as sanctuary cities, where illegal crime has been allowed to run rampant. Just the other day, ICE raided parts of NYC gathering hundreds of serious offenders such as pedophiles, murderers, violent offenders, gang members, etc. These criminals being arrested are the worst of the worst and should have never been allowed to walk our streets in the first place. Trump continues to stand on his “Promises made, promises kept” agenda. Tom Homan being at the side of the President is just an added plus for our America First Movement. He is doing a fantastic job so far, and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon.

State of the State

It is not a mystery why our State has been in a rapid decline for years. One-party Democrat rule has made our state unlivable; between crime, illegal immigration crisis, and affordability, pick your reason why New York leads in out-migration. You would think during Governor Hochul’s State of the State, she would at least take “some” responsibility for her disastrous policies, but instead, she has doubled down, ensuring life is picture perfect in New York!

Governor Kathy Hochul is going to continue to tax, spend, and toll financially teetering New Yorkers into ‘affordability’ whether they like it or not. That’s the clear but absurd takeaway from the Governor’s State of the State address.

Mrs. Hochul seems to actually believe that expanding government — taking and spending even more of our money — is the way to bring relief to cash-strapped New Yorkers who perennially pay some of the highest taxes in America. That’s the exact governing attitude that put working- and middle-class New Yorkers in the hole they now occupy. Where is the common sense? Read our full press release here:

CPPAC 2025 – Get Your Tickets Today

To kick off the New Year, the Party is holding its 57th Annual Conservative Party Political Action Conference (CPPAC) February 2nd and 3rd, 2025 at the Hilton Hotel in Albany.

This year’s conference will be attended by many legislative members and political activists. We’re also featuring speakers rising on the national and state scene, such as Congressman Mike Lawler, Attorney General of Indiana Todd Rokita, news personality Brianna Lyman, President Trump’s pollster John McLaughlin, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Maud Maron who is running for DA against Alvin Bragg, Andrew Giuliani and a well-known consultant panel featuring Tom Dunham and Chapin Fay. More speakers will be announced on a rolling basis. We will also have informative breakout sessions and interactive presentations that you won’t want to miss. Sunday night will conclude with our Rookie Reception featuring our newly elected conservative delegation. For a total $250, you receive a Sunday evening reception, Monday morning breakfast, lunch with a major speaker, an awards dinner, as well as the many sessions throughout the day with great speakers. You can’t beat it!

We are pleased to offer you a special hotel rate of $159 if you book your room by January 22nd! To book your room, please call the Albany Hilton at 1-866-691-1183 and provide the Conservative Party’s “3CPPAC” registration code. Alternatively, attendees can register for lodging online here:  Make A Hotel Reservation

You can buy your ticket today, browse our new CPPAC website, and check out the schedule here: We hope to see you in Albany!

Zeldin and Stefanik Confirmation Hearing

Yesterday, former Congressman and Gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin had his Senate hearing to become the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lee has been a long-time friend, and supporter of the Party for years. We were thrilled to see President Trump nominate him, and expect a swift confirmation. Yesterday’s hearing just proved our point. Lee knocked it out of the park, and made his case that he is the best fit for the job to wrangle in spending, work on de-regulation so our businesses can thrive, and “drill baby drill!” Lee has my, and the Conservative Party’s full support. You can watch his full hearing here:

Another one of New York’s finest, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, will have her hearing on January 21st to be the next Ambassador to the United Nations. I am sure many of you know Elise very well, as she has also been a major supporter of the Conservative Party and our endeavors. It is clear Elise is the most qualified, and nobody will work harder to make sure the United States interests come first on the international playing field. Elise is one of the smartest people I know, and I know a lot of us are sad to see her vacate her Congressional seat, but President Trump understood we need a strong leader to represent us at the United Nations, and there’s no better choice than Elise. With her confirmation hearing rapidly approaching, she has the full weight of the Conservative Party supporting, and cheering for her.