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Elise Stefanik Weighs 2026 New York Gubernatorial Bid Against Kathy Hochul

The Republican congresswoman cites strong donor support and bipartisan appeal as she considers challenging Hochul, who is preparing for her second term campaign.

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January  21, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
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Overview

  • Rep. Elise Stefanik confirmed she is strongly considering a 2026 run for New York governor, citing widespread support from donors, Republicans, independents, and Democrats.
  • Stefanik has criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul as the 'worst governor in America,' blaming her for high taxes, outmigration, and rising crime in the state.
  • Hochul, New York's first female governor, is concluding her first full term and preparing for a competitive re-election campaign in a state that leans Democratic.
  • Stefanik's potential bid follows the White House's withdrawal of her U.N. ambassador nomination in March 2025 to protect the GOP's narrow House majority.
  • New York has not elected a Republican governor since George Pataki left office in 2007, underscoring the challenge Stefanik would face in a statewide race.