Overview
- Stefanik announced her campaign Friday with a two-and-a-half minute video centered on cost of living and public safety while linking Gov. Kathy Hochul to New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
- The launch video omits any mention of President Donald Trump even as Stefanik remains one of his closest congressional allies and a prolific fundraiser.
- Hochul’s campaign and the Democratic Governors Association responded by branding Stefanik a Trump loyalist and attacking her record on tariffs, health care and costs.
- State GOP leaders have largely lined up behind Stefanik after Rep. Mike Lawler opted not to run, though Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has signaled possible interest.
- Republicans face steep odds in deep-blue New York, which has not elected a GOP governor since George Pataki, with recent polling split between a sizable Hochul lead and a closer race.