On November 7, 2025, President Trump’s important ally in Congress, Federal Representative Elise Stefanik, officially launched her campaign for the governor of New York. She will challenge the incumbent Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Stefanik, hailing from New York, is a senior member of the House Republican Party. For several months, she has been contemplating running for governor.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X on Friday, Stefanik condemned the current governor Hochul’s failed leadership that has made New York the state with the highest cost of living in America, with the highest taxes, energy costs, water bills, rents, and grocery expenses.
She stated that while the people of New York expect leadership from the governor, Hochul has instead bowed down to “cut police budgets,” appeasing communist influences and bringing disaster to New York families.
“I am running for governor to make New York a place that is affordable and safe for everyone,” she said. “Democrats, Republicans, and independents will come together to save our state.”
Following Stefanik’s announcement of her campaign for governor and criticism of Hochul’s policies, Hochul retaliated on social media platform X, stating that Stefanik’s campaign is aimed at helping Trump take over New York and increase the cost of living for New Yorkers.
“As long as I am in office, I will not allow such a thing to happen,” Hochul said.
Stefanik’s decision to run for governor comes just days after the Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election. Mamdani is expected to become a target of Stefanik’s criticism.
Previously, Stefanik labeled Mamdani as a “communist” and criticized the Democratic Party for pushing a “radical” agenda in New York. Stefanik also condemned Governor Hochul for endorsing Mamdani’s run for mayor of New York City.
Since being elected to Congress in 2014, Stefanik’s position in the House of Representatives has steadily risen. She has also gained increasing public attention and political influence nationwide.
Stefanik is a staunch supporter of Trump. During Trump’s first term, Stefanik vigorously defended him during the two impeachment trials in Congress. She publicly voiced her support for Trump even before he officially announced his candidacy for the 2024 election.
The last time New York elected a Republican governor was in 2002 when George Pataki won his third term.
Moderate Democrat Hochul is facing a primary challenge from New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. It is rare for a lieutenant governor to challenge the incumbent governor in a primary.