NY Democrat Candidate's Controversial Past Statements Resurface

Blake Gendebien, the Democratic candidate running to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik in New York's 21st Congressional District, is facing scrutiny after past comments resurfaced. These comments, from a 2013 interview, reveal his preference for hiring Hispanic farm laborers over local workers, citing concerns about local workers' alcohol and domestic abuse problems.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/02/1200/675/black-gendebien-1.png?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Blake Gendebien in dairy farmer" width="1200" height="675">

Gendebien also criticized Border Patrol agents for apprehending undocumented immigrants, claiming they profiled based on skin color. He even recounted bailing out an undocumented worker for $10,000 to ensure continued farm labor.

The New York GOP Chair, Ed Cox, condemned Gendebien's remarks, calling him a "far-left Democrat" and arguing his statements will hinder his chances in the upcoming election.

<img src="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/02/1200/675/gettyimages-2194532937.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Stefanik confirmation hearing" width="1200" height="675">

Gendebien's controversial statements include:

• Criticizing local workers as lacking self-worth and work ethic.
• Expressing a strong preference for Hispanic labor due to perceived reliability.
• Complaining about Border Patrol actions and bailing out an undocumented worker.

This situation has created a significant political firestorm, with Republicans seizing on Gendebien’s past comments to attack the Democratic Party's candidate selection process.