Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is officially entering the race for Governor. Stefanik made the announcement early Friday morning after months of speculation about a possible challenge to Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul in 2026.
“Kathy Hochul is the Worst Governor in America,” said Stefanik in a statement announcing her bid. “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. Hochul has created a crime crisis with failed bail reform and her support of Defund the Police candidates. And when New Yorkers were looking for leadership the most, Kathy Hochul bent the knee to the raging Defund the Police Tax Hiking Antisemite Communist who will destroy New York. I am running for Governor to bring a new generation of leadership to Albany to make New York affordable and safe for families all across our great state. Our campaign will unify Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to Fire Kathy Hochul once and for all to Save New York.”
In response to Rep. Stefanik’s announcement, Governor Hochul on social media posted: “Elise Stefanik is running to deliver New York for Donald Trump and raise your costs. Not on my watch. My message to Trump’s “top ally” — bring it on.”
A recently released poll showed Stefanik with a slight edge over Hochul. The survey, released October 28th by the conservative Manhattan Institute, showed Stefanik with 43 percent support to Hochul’s 42 percent, a virtual tie but giving Stefanik a narrow lead. Nine percent of voters said they’d back another candidate, while seven percent remain undecided.
Stefanik has represented New York’s 21st congressional district since 2015. The district covers most of the North Country and the Adirondack Mountains, as well as some of the outer suburbs of Utica.
She was just 30 years old when she was first elected to Congress in 2014 — making her the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. House at that time.
As chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2025, she was the fourth-ranking House Republican. Back in April, Stefanik was appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson as Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership for the 119th Congress.
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