New York, NY- New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Elections issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s comments on Dan Bongino’s podcast, aired Monday, February 2, 2026, including that “Republicans ought to nationalize voting” and remarks tying his deportation strategy to partisan electoral outcomes:

“President Trump’s insinuation that his administration and the Republican leadership should nationalize voting is deeply alarming, and a continuation of his attack on democracy. Voting for our leaders is a cornerstone of our society and a sacred right that millions have fought for. We must protect non-partisan, independent elections that are governed by state laws to ensure every American has the right to vote. 

Last month two American citizens were executed by ICE in Minnesota and the Trump Administration continues to demand access to voters’ private data. This is a clear pattern of escalating violence and threats to free and fair elections that can only be described as fascism. Trump’s latest remarks on the Don Bongino podcast must be taken as serious threats, and we need to mobilize resources to protect elections across the country and in New York State. As Chair of the Committee on Elections, I will continue to fight for all New Yorkers and their right to vote, and protect the integrity of our democratic system.”

Senator Gonzalez has introduced legislation in the New York State Senate to protect existing election infrastructure including:

• Political communication content provenance for AI (S.7963)
• Election Security Navigators (S.8615)  
• Voting machine protections (S.8647)

Senator Gonzalez has already passed seven bills out of committee that will advance voter election safety in New York State.

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