PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (August 18, 2025) — Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY‑21) faced a hostile reception during a ceremony held to rename the Clinton County Government Center after the late county clerk, John Zurlo. The event, intended as a solemn tribute, devolved into a flashpoint of political tension.
Ceremony Turns into Protest
As Stefanik approached the podium at the renaming ceremony, protesters—estimated to make up roughly half the crowd—erupted in boos. Chanting phrases like “Shame!” “You sold us out!” “Go home!” and “You’re a traitor,” some attendees even called for the unsealing of the Epstein files and hurled accusations of being a “Nazi.” CNN‑style coverage via NBC 5 reported that Stefanik was booed both times she attempted to speak, forcing her to retreat from the stage on multiple occasions.Common DreamsNewsweekThe Daily BeastWPTZThe New RepublicInternational Business Times UK
Why the Backlash?
Protesters cited several grievances driving their anger:
- Lack of Constituent Engagement: Several voiced frustration over Stefanik’s long absence from local events and refusal to host a town hall. “She hasn’t shown up in our district for months and months… She won’t hold a town hall… people show up… door’s closed,” shared protester Mavis Agnew.Common DreamsNewsweekWPTZInternational Business Times UK
- Healthcare and Budget Cuts: Many were angered by Stefanik’s support for a recent GOP budget that reportedly slashes over $1 trillion from Medicaid—a threat to rural hospitals across New York. As one protester put it, “Hudson Headwaters [Health Network]… our only clinics available… that’s important to me.”Common DreamsThe Daily BeastInternational Business Times UK
Stefanik’s Response
After the ceremony, Stefanik condemned the protest as a politicization of a non-political event. “Today’s event was about honoring John Zurlo. It is a disgusting disgrace that this is what the far left does, rather than understanding that his family has been through a tremendous amount,” she declared.NewsweekWPTZWashington Examiner On social media (X), she again denounced the disruption:
“Today #NY21 witnessed shameful conduct by radical Far Left Democrat agitators who disgracefully attempted to drown out and silence a non‑political event…”NewsweekWashington Examiner
Nevertheless, she insisted she delivered her remarks—privately—to the Zurlo family.NewsweekWashington Examiner
Local Voices & Political Fallout
John Zurlo’s family remembered him fondly as “a great man, great public servant, great teacher,” underscoring the intended spirit of the event that was overshadowed by visible dissent.https://www.wcax.comhttps://www.wwnytv.com Others emphasized that the ceremony offered rare in‑person access to Stefanik, making it their only opportunity to express dissatisfaction.https://www.wcax.comhttps://www.wwnytv.com
The New York Democratic Party seized on the moment to criticize Stefanik, accusing her of distancing herself from her constituents and siding with an extreme national agenda.Common DreamsThe Daily BeastInternational Business Times UK
National reporting framed the incident as a potential warning sign for her rumored 2026 gubernatorial run—highlighting the tension between her national profile and faltering local reception.International Business Times UK
Summary
| Aspect | Key Points |
|---|---|
| What happened | Elise Stefanik was booed and heckled during a renaming ceremony in Plattsburgh. |
| Why it escalated | Constituents protested her absence, stance on healthcare cuts, and handling of local outreach. |
| Stefanik’s stance | She condemned the disruptions, defended the event’s purpose, and reaffirmed her tribute to John Zurlo. |
| Broader implications | The episode raises concerns about her rapport with constituents amid speculation of higher office. |