Politics
NEW: MAGA Congresswoman Floats Run For Governor
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is weighing a possible run for New York governor in 2026, according to two individuals with knowledge of the situation.
One source close to Stefanik said the congresswoman has been actively encouraged to enter the race by prominent Republicans across the state, key Trump allies, and several high-dollar GOP donors, according to NBC News.
The potential challenge would pit Stefanik against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY), who is expected to seek re-election. The interest comes on the heels of her withdrawn nomination to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations—a post she had been tapped for by Trump following his re-election in 2024.
“Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is GREAT!!!” the president posted Tuesday on Truth Social, reaffirming his support for the New York Republican. Stefanik, who became the youngest woman ever elected to the House in 2014, had begun a farewell tour earlier this year in anticipation of leaving Capitol Hill.
via Truth Social
But Trump abruptly pulled her nomination in March 2025, citing concerns about the GOP’s razor-thin majority in the House and the risk of losing her upstate seat in a special election. She was subsequently offered a revamped leadership role in the House.
According to sources, part of the deal included reinstatement to the House Intelligence Committee and a return to GOP leadership, positions she had vacated during her brief ambassador-designate status. However, the reshuffling has created friction between Stefanik, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and other members of House Republican leadership, per NBC.
Milwaukee, WI,July 16, 2024, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Now, Stefanik is reportedly weighing whether to challenge Gov. Hochul. No Republican has won the governorship of New York since George Pataki left office in 2007, but party strategists believe Stefanik’s national profile, deep Trump ties, and fundraising power could make her a top contender.
She currently has $10 million in cash on hand across her political committees and has previously outperformed Trump in her upstate district. In 2022, Hochul won her first full term by just over six points against Republican Lee Zeldin, significantly narrower than Kamala Harris’ 13-point margin over Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
VALHALLA, NY, USA – MAY 10, 2023: Governor Kathy Hochul delivers remarks about the debt limit on May 10, 2023 at SUNY Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York, United States.
Meanwhile, Hochul is also facing signs of internal party dissent. Her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, has announced he will not seek re-election on the ticket and is rumored to be mulling a primary challenge. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) is another Republican reportedly considering a run for governor.
Democrats, however, are brushing off the buzz. In a statement, New York State Democratic Party spokesperson Addison Dick dismissed Stefanik’s potential candidacy, saying, “New York Republicans can’t field a serious candidate from their pathetic crew of Trump minions. New Yorkers want nothing to do with the clown show of Trump loyalists who are only focused on enabling Trump’s agenda that is raising costs, gutting health care, and attacking New Yorkers’ freedoms.”
Once viewed as a centrist voice in the GOP, Stefanik has transformed into one of Trump’s most loyal allies in Congress. She opposed both of his impeachments and supported efforts to contest the 2020 election results.
In 2021, she replaced Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) as House Republican Conference Chair, becoming the third-ranking Republican in the chamber. Whether she steps into the governor’s race remains to be seen, but her next move will carry weight in both Albany and Washington.
