Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congressman Jim Jordan have initiated an inquiry into the administration of New York Governor Kathy Hochul. In a letter sent to the governor, they expressed concerns about alleged political interference and claimed that New York has become a center for activities linked to the Chinese government, including election interference and violations of federal laws such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
The lawmakers referenced the indictment of Linda Sun, Hochul’s former deputy chief of staff, by the Department of Justice. Sun faces charges for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent for China while working in state government. The letter quoted an IRS-Counter Intelligence official: “Not only did Sun allegedly use Chinese money and her influence in New York State to benefit the Chinese government, it is further alleged that she used her position to steer multi-million-dollar contracts to companies controlled by family members and friends.”
Stefanik and Jordan outlined several requests for Governor Hochul’s administration. They called for an end to state funding and tax benefits for nonprofits with confirmed ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or its affiliates. They also asked for full cooperation with ongoing federal investigations related to FARA, the Foreign Missions Act, and Internal Revenue Code violations.
Additionally, they requested a comprehensive review of all political appointees and staff for potential conflicts involving foreign governments. The lawmakers sought documentation on how state grants are awarded or how access is granted to elected officials, as well as records regarding actions taken by the administration to address CCP influence in New York.
Last week, Stefanik raised concerns about leadership within Hochul’s office after Linda Sun reportedly stated that then-Lieutenant Governor Hochul was “much more obedient” than former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Elise Stefanik has represented New York’s 21st congressional district since 2015, succeeding Bill Owens. She was born in Albany in 1984 and lives in Schuylerville. Stefanik holds a degree from Harvard University.
The full letter can be read at https://stefanik.house.gov/2025/12/stefanik-jordan-launch-probe-of-hochul-admin-demand-termination-of-nys-funding-for-ccp-linked-orgs-as-governor-s-former-aide-and-alleged-chinese-spy-faces-corruption-charges
