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 Elise Stefanik is actively considering a bid for New York governor in 2026, following her withdrawn U.N. ambassadorship nomination last month.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.