Overview

• She plans to officially launch her gubernatorial campaign at a time and location of her choosing ahead of the 2026 election.
• A GrayHouse poll shows Stefanik leading GOP primary voters with 44 percent support compared to 7 percent for Rep. Mike Lawler and 5 percent for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
• President Trump’s recent endorsements of Lawler and Blakeman for reelection have fueled speculation that he aims to clear the GOP field for Stefanik.
• Republicans improved their performance in New York during the last two statewide elections, narrowing the margin in the presidential race and closing within six points in the 2022 governor’s contest.
• The Cook Political Report continues to rate the 2026 governor’s race as likely Democratic, underscoring the challenges any GOP nominee will face in New York.