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.