Overview
- Stefanik unveiled a video-led rollout that blames high costs on Gov. Kathy Hochul and links her to New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, stressing affordability and public safety.
- Hochul’s campaign posted a rapid-response ad moments after the launch, spotlighting Stefanik calling herself Trump’s “top ally” and arguing she would prioritize him over New Yorkers.
- Stefanik’s camp says she has secured backing from New York GOP Chair Ed Cox and more than half of Republican county chairs, with former Gov. George Pataki also endorsing her.
- Surveys offer conflicting snapshots of the race, with a September Siena poll showing Hochul well ahead and an October Manhattan Institute poll and a GOP-funded survey indicating a closer contest.
- Both parties’ fields remain fluid, as Hochul faces a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and Republicans weigh possible bids from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman after Rep. Mike Lawler declined to run.