Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) cited her “record of winning” when asked about the likelihood that she will run for governor of her state in 2026.
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) is wrapping up her first full term as governor in her second election to the position next year. Her first proper election proved to be a close battle as the Republican candidate Lee Zeldin lost to her by fewer than 10 points, the narrowest victory in the gubernatorial race since 1994.
Now, Stefanik is considering running herself, telling the New York Post she is “in the strongest position to defeat” Hochul. President Donald Trump recently retracted Stefanik’s nomination as U.N. ambassador to keep the slim majority in the House of Representatives.
“Unlike Kathy Hochul, who was defeated after one term in Congress, we have a record of winning — not just Republicans but winning independents and a fair percentage of Democrats,” Stefanik said. “I’m honored to have the most robust, most significant donor base of any Republican ever in the state of New York, and it is time that we work together as a team to save this state from the catastrophic policies.”
Over the next two months, Stefanik is slated to appear at dinners and speaking events to raise money. It remains to be seen whether that money will go toward a gubernatorial campaign or to her reelection to the House.
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Hochul became governor after serving as lieutenant governor to Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, which opened the door for Hochul to take over.
This year will see New York City elect a mayor. Incumbent Eric Adams is running for reelection, only this time as an independent after initially campaigning as a Democratic candidate. Hochul is committed to not offering an endorsement, as her predecessor has since announced his own candidacy for NYC mayor.