A House Oversight hearing on illegal immigration quickly became a showdown with 2026 overtones as Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) sparred with Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), one of her possible gubernatorial challengers.

In a heated exchange, Stefanik accused Hochul of running a “sanctuary state” that shields illegal immigrants from deportation, listing off violent crimes perpetrated under her governorship.

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As Stefanik ticked through the names of alleged offenders, Hochul insisted that her administration has cooperated “fully” with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“We deserve a governor who stands up for law-abiding New Yorkers,” Stefanik said before an increasingly frustrated Hochul, who repeatedly attempted to condemn the crimes.

“These crimes are horrific, I condemn them,” she eventually stated.

Stefanik used Hochul’s lack of familiarity with the specific cases to cast her as an absentee governor, criticizing a middle ground Hochul has attempted to strike on ICE cooperation.

Hochul told reporters last year that she would be the “first one” to call up immigration authorities if a crime is committed, but her state also has policies limiting its cooperation with ICE. 

“They are walking on the streets because of your policies,” Stefanik said, before listing off more alleged criminals.

Hochul framed the exchange as an attempt by Stefanik, who is inching closer to a gubernatorial run, to steal the political spotlight.

“Rather than going after the viral moment, I suggest you look at the facts,” Hochul said.

Stefanik, who is known for her heated exchanges in congressional hearings, was not the only possible challenger at Thursday’s hearing. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), another Republican considering a run for governor, was also allowed into the committee room.

WATCH: DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS ON ‘SANCTUARY’ POLICIES

Neither are members of the House Oversight Committee.

From the Democratic side of the aisle, Hochul is being challenged next year by her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado.