U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican and ally of President Donald Trump, has officially entered the 2026 New York governor’s race, portraying the state as mired in economic and political decline under Democratic leadership.
In a campaign launch video released Friday, November 7th, Stefanik described New York as “in ashes,” citing what she called rampant crime and an unaffordable cost of living. “Under Kathy Hochul’s failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery prices crushing hardworking families,” she asserted in a statement.
Stefanik, who represents a conservative district in upstate New York, has been hinting for months at a possible run. Her criticism of Hochul has intensified in recent weeks, particularly after the governor voiced support for New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. In an interview with Fox News, Stefanik remarked, “When New Yorkers were looking for strong leadership from a governor not to bend the knee to Zohran Mamdani, Kathy Hochul bent the knee.” She characterized Hochul as “a toxic governor” responsible for high taxes and a deteriorating business climate.
A Harvard graduate first elected to Congress in 2014, Stefanik emphasized her record of winning competitive races and working across party lines. “I’ve won every primary and general election, overperforming by earning support from Republicans, independents, and even Democrats,” she noted.
Stefanik’s candidacy quickly drew backing from major Republican figures. New York GOP Chair Ed Cox described her as a “unifier and party builder with the brains, the guts and the resources to win.” Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt also endorsed her, calling her “the fighter New York needs.”
Hochul’s campaign dismissed Stefanik’s announcement, branding her “Donald Trump’s number one cheerleader in Congress.” Campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika commented, “Apparently, screwing over New Yorkers in Congress wasn’t enough — now she’s trying to bring Trump’s chaos and skyrocketing costs to our state.”
The 2026 race is expected to be closely watched, as Republicans seek to reclaim the governor’s office for the first time in two decades.
