Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) broke multiple fundraising records by bringing in $4 million in the second quarter of the year, leaving her with $11 million on hand, according to an announcement on Monday.
Stefanik’s team said, “This fundraising haul represents the largest off-year quarterly haul for a New York Republican candidate in history as well as the largest off-year cash on hand ever.” The team also said the average donation was $22 from over 50,000 unique donors.
“Team Elise continues its unprecedented fundraising pace making history in New York for Republicans,” Stefanik said in a release obtained by the Washington Examiner. “I am humbled by the record early support from generous grassroots donors and supporters in New York and across the country.”
The GOP leadership chairwoman has not officially confirmed a reelection bid for her seat in 2026. In the release, she hinted at a run for New York governor against incumbent Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“Our movement to Save New York has never been in a stronger position to achieve victory next fall,” Stefanik said. “I will continue to work tirelessly to enact President [Donald] Trump’s historic mandate in Congress, ensure Republican victories up and down the ballot in New York, and then we will fire Kathy Hochul once and for all next year.”
However, according to her political operation, Hochul raised over $11.8 million during the first half of 2025 compared to Stefanik’s accumulated $4 million campaign funds.
Almost one-third of Hochul’s funds will go toward her reelection campaign, and $7 million will go to the New York State Democratic Committee, according to a campaign aide. This still leaves Hochul $17.5 million in cash on hand.
Other Republicans are considering a gubernatorial run, including Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY). Another potential candidate is Nassau County’s Bruce Blakeman.
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Last month, a Siena College poll showed Hochul leading the three GOP potential candidates by 20 points. However, the same poll shows the incumbent with a 50% approval rating, and 55% of voters saying they wanted “someone else.”
The deadline for a candidate to file their bid is May 26, 2026.
Ross O’Keefe contributed to this story.