Stefanik eyeing New York governor's bid

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is considering a run for governor of New York next year following her withdrawal as President Trump’s nominee to be United Nations ambassador, a source familiar with her thinking confirmed to The Hill. 

Stefanik has gained increasing prominence in recent years as a close supporter of Trump and for leading the charge against several top universities’ handling of pro-Palestinian protests on their campuses that dominated much of the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Having represented New York’s 21st Congressional District since 2015, she was set to get a big promotion with the second Trump administration as the nominee to lead the administration’s messaging to the U.N. She quickly received approval from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a comfortable vote, but her nomination was ultimately withdrawn late last month amid GOP concerns about the party’s narrow House majority. 

But she may be turning her attention to her home state with Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) up for reelection in 2026. Some polls suggest Hochul may be vulnerable, with her approval rating underwater. 

Stefanik stirred speculation that she may jump into the race with a post on X on Wednesday, calling Hochul the “Worst Governor in America.” 

“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 illegal first and NYers last, and an out of control crime crisis due to Democrats’ failed bail reform defund the police policies,” Stefanik said. “This polling shows that we can WIN & SAVE NEW YORK.” 

She linked a Marist Poll released Tuesday that placed Hochul’s approval rating at 39 percent and disapproval rating at 46 percent. It also found 57 percent said they don’t want Hochul to run for reelection. 

Hochul responded to the reports of Stefanik’s interest by saying that people from the North Country, the northernmost part of the state that includes Stefanik’s district, have come to her saying that no one is standing up for them and that Trump’s tariffs are hurting their communities. 

“No matter who the GOP nominee is next year I’ll be running against, it’s going to be an extreme MAGA Republican, and I look forward to that fight,” she said. 

Stefanik responded on X that the North Country is the region of the state where Hochul is least popular. 

The Republican race for governor already has at least one other prominent House member rumored as a possible candidate in Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.). 

Lawler has been a top critic of Hochul and enjoyed strong popularity in a competitive district. He is reportedly set to make his decision about whether to run by July. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has also been considered a possible candidate. 

But a coveted Trump endorsement could be key in a potential matchup between the two members. 

Trump allies have been supportive behind the scenes of the idea of Stefanik running for governor, according to a source familiar with the matter. 

Trump posted on Truth Social earlier on Wednesday, “Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is GREAT!!!”

Republicans have expressed hope about possibly pulling off an upset in the governor's race next year with Hochul's favorability rating poor and former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) only losing the 2022 race to Hochul by single digits.

Emily Brooks and Brett Samuels contributed.