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Elise Stefanik Weighs New York Gubernatorial Run for 2026

Following the withdrawal of her U.N. ambassador nomination, Stefanik is exploring a challenge to Gov. Kathy Hochul with strong GOP backing and potential primary competition.

FILE - Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., testifies during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on her pending confirmation to be the United Nations Ambassador, on Capitol Hill, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., arrives for the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
FILE - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks at a news conference in the Queens borough of New York, Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
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Overview

  • Rep. Elise Stefanik is actively considering a bid for New York governor in 2026, following her withdrawn U.N. ambassadorship nomination last month.
  • Stefanik has received encouragement from New York Republicans and Trump allies, positioning her as a potential frontrunner in the GOP field.
  • Gov. Kathy Hochul faces declining approval ratings, with a Marist poll showing only 39% approval and 57% of New Yorkers opposing her re-election bid.
  • A Republican primary may feature Stefanik against Rep. Mike Lawler, who has also expressed interest in running for governor.
  • Stefanik has criticized Hochul’s governance, citing issues like high taxes, crime, and economic challenges as key reasons for change in leadership.