Stefanik expected to announce run for NY governor: Sources

Published: Friday, November 7, 2025 at 12:29 am

Stefanik Poised to Challenge Hochul for New York Governor in 2026

Washington, D.C. - Representative Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican from New York, is reportedly preparing to launch a campaign for governor in 2026. Sources familiar with her plans indicate an announcement could come as early as this Friday. Stefanik intends to challenge current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

The congresswoman, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, has been a vocal critic of Governor Hochul. Her criticism intensified following Hochul's endorsement of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani after his primary victory. Stefanik has labeled Mamdani a "communist" and criticized the "radical" agenda of Democrats in Albany.

Stefanik's political career has seen a rapid rise. She previously served on Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign and assisted former House Speaker Paul Ryan in preparing for his vice-presidential debate. During the first Trump administration, she gained prominence as a defender of the president during the House Intelligence Committee's impeachment inquiry in 2019. Earlier this year, she was briefly considered for a position as United Nations ambassador.

New York has not elected a Republican governor since 2002, when George Pataki secured a third term. The upcoming gubernatorial race in 2026 is expected to be closely watched, given the state's political landscape and the contrasting ideologies of the potential candidates.

BNN's Perspective: The potential candidacy of Representative Stefanik adds an interesting dynamic to the New York political scene. While her strong alignment with the MAGA movement may resonate with some voters, she will need to broaden her appeal to win over a state that has leaned Democratic in recent elections. The race will likely hinge on key issues such as the economy, public safety, and the direction of the state's political future.

Keywords: Elise Stefanik, Kathy Hochul, New York Governor, 2026 Election, Republican, Democrat, Donald Trump, Zohran Mamdani, Albany, George Pataki, Politics, Campaign, Governor Race

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