Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is considering a potential bid for governor in 2026, signaling growing interest in a high-profile statewide run during remarks at a Republican gala in Manhattan this week.
Stefanik, the House GOP Conference Chair, said she is “honored” to be among the names floated as possible Republican contenders and sharply criticized Democratic leadership, blaming them for what she described as New York’s ongoing decline.
Her name previously emerged as a potential candidate in 2022, though the Republican nomination ultimately went to former Congressman Lee Zeldin, who mounted a strong challenge but fell short against incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
A recent Marist College Poll showed 57% of voters surveyed opposed Governor Hochul seeking re-election in 2026. Stefanik released a statement on Wednesday, shortly after the Marist Poll numbers were announced:
“This latest bombshell polling proves what every New Yorker already knows: that we must FIRE Kathy Hochul in 2026 to SAVE NEW YORK.
“Hochul is the Worst Governor in America and it’s not even close.
“Her incompetence, corruption, and radical failed Far Left policies have destroyed our great state causing businesses and families to flee from crushing high taxes, out of control regulations, inept fiscal mismanagement, wide open border sanctuary city policies putting illegals first and New Yorkers last, and an out of control crime crisis due to Democrats’ failed bail reform defund the police policies.
“This polling shows that we can WIN & SAVE NEW YORK.”
