Elise Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally, has thrown her hat into the ring for New York’s 2026 gubernatorial race. The six-term Republican congresswoman signaled her intent on Fox News, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown with Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Stefanik, a six-term House lawmaker, plans to take on Hochul’s reelection bid in 2026, criticizing the governor’s left-leaning policies. Her campaign is expected to zero in on controversial issues like New York’s sanctuary city policies and bail reform law, which she argues have weakened public safety and economic stability.
The Daily Caller reported that on Monday, during a Fox News segment, host Brian Kilmeade pressed Stefanik, asking, “Are you going to run for governor?”
She responded, “We are — yes, donate to savenewyork.com,” signaling her intent while rallying support for local candidates. Her answer, though coy, was a clear nod to her plans, cleverly sidestepping a formal declaration while stoking excitement.
Stefanik’s campaign is poised to hammer Hochul’s progressive agenda, particularly her endorsement of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor. Hochul’s op-ed in the New York Times on Sunday, praising Mamdani’s focus on affordability, has drawn Stefanik’s ire. The congresswoman sees this as a dangerous lurch toward radical policies that could harm the state.
Hochul’s endorsement of Mamdani, who won the Democratic mayoral primary in June, came after months of hesitation. “Affordability has long been my top priority as governor, and it is the No. 1 concern I share with Mr. Mamdani,” Hochul wrote. But Stefanik argues this alignment with a self-described socialist exposes Hochul’s disconnect from New Yorkers’ practical concerns.
Stefanik didn’t mince words, calling Mamdani a “raging antisemite communist” and slamming Hochul for embracing him. She claimed her phone was “ringing off the hook” with outraged New Yorkers, appalled by Hochul’s decision to back Mamdani’s radical positions. This fiery rhetoric, while sharp, risks alienating moderates who might otherwise support her.
Hochul’s endorsement of Mamdani has stirred controversy, especially as she faces a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. Delgado, who backed Mamdani in June after his primary win over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, is positioning himself as a fresh alternative to Hochul’s leadership. The governor’s leftward tilt could complicate her reelection bid in a state weary of ideological extremes.
Stefanik’s path to the Republican nomination was cleared when Rep. Mike Lawler opted not to run for governor in July. This decision has given Stefanik a wide-open lane to consolidate conservative support. With President Trump’s likely endorsement, her campaign could galvanize the GOP base, hungry for a return to pragmatic governance.
Yet, an August Siena poll shows Hochul leading Stefanik by 14 points in a hypothetical matchup. This gap suggests Stefanik faces an uphill battle in a state that hasn’t elected a Republican governor since George Pataki’s third term in 2002. Still, her national profile and Trump’s backing could narrow that margin as the race heats up.
Stefanik’s campaign is already laying the groundwork through her SaveNewYork.com initiative, which she plugged on Fox News. “We are building the groundwork today to support local candidates this year,” she said, framing her effort as a broader mission to rescue the state. This dual focus on local and state issues could broaden her appeal among grassroots conservatives.
Hochul’s embrace of Mamdani, Stefanik argues, is a gift to her campaign. “It’s bad for New York City. It’s bad for New York State,” she declared, warning that voters will hold Hochul accountable. Her critique taps into widespread frustration with urban crime and economic stagnation, issues she believes resonate beyond party lines.
However, Stefanik’s harsh rhetoric, like calling Mamdani a “communist,” could backfire in a state with diverse voters. While her base may cheer the red meat, moderates and independents might cringe at the intensity. Balancing passion with persuasion will be key to her success in a general election.
Stefanik’s close ties to Trump are a double-edged sword in New York’s blue-leaning electorate. His likely endorsement could energize conservatives but alienate voters skeptical of his influence. Her challenge is to leverage his support while crafting a message that appeals to a broader coalition tired of progressive overreach.
Hochul, meanwhile, must navigate her own party’s fractures, with Delgado’s challenge signaling discontent among Democrats. Her late endorsement of Mamdani, after months of distance, suggests a strategic pivot to shore up progressive support. But this move risks alienating centrists who see Mamdani’s socialism as a step too far.
As the 2026 race takes shape, Stefanik’s bold entry promises a fierce contest. Her focus on affordability, safety, and reversing progressive policies could resonate if she tempers her rhetoric for broader appeal. For now, New Yorkers brace for a clash of visions in a state desperate for practical solutions.
