UPDATE: Rep. Elise Stefanik is officially launching her campaign for New York governor in the 2026 election, according to multiple sources. This announcement sets the stage for a fierce showdown against incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is facing challenges both from potential primary candidates and a politically charged landscape.
Stefanik is expected to unveil her gubernatorial bid in a video announcement this Friday, marking a significant moment for one of former President Donald Trump’s most prominent allies in Congress. Her entry into the race comes after a strategic buildup of support among New York’s Republican leaders, with the primary election scheduled for June 23, 2026, and the general election on November 3, 2026.
The stakes are high as Stefanik aims to become the first woman to secure the Republican nomination for governor in New York’s history. Her campaign has gained momentum, particularly after Rep. Mike Lawler opted not to run, consolidating support around her candidacy. However, the road ahead is challenging in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans two-to-one, and the GOP has not held the governor’s office since George Pataki from 1995 to 2006.
This anticipated announcement has already prompted sharp exchanges between Stefanik and Hochul. Stefanik has branded Hochul as “the worst governor in America,” a claim she reiterated recently while criticizing Hochul’s endorsement of Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City. In a statement, Stefanik declared, “New Yorkers will fire Kathy Hochul next year,” indicating her determination to mobilize voters dissatisfied with the current administration.
In response, Hochul’s team has positioned the governor as a defender against Trump-aligned candidates like Stefanik. “Voters in New York and across the country rejected Trump and his enablers earlier this week,” said Addison Dick, spokesperson for the state Democratic Party. “Stefanik will face the same fate when she launches her campaign to put Trump ahead of New Yorkers.”
As Stefanik prepares for her campaign launch, Hochul is also navigating her own challenges. She is facing a potential Democratic primary from Antonio Delgado, her lieutenant governor, who has expressed dissatisfaction with his role and is now running to her left. This intra-party challenge could further complicate Hochul’s re-election strategy.
The political dynamics in New York are rapidly evolving, and both candidates are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most watched gubernatorial races in the nation. With the primary just months away, all eyes will be on Stefanik’s campaign strategies and Hochul’s responses as they battle for the hearts and minds of New York voters.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
