Congresswoman Elise Stefanik may run for governor

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---New York State’s next gubernatorial election is in 2026. Governor Kathy Hochul is seeking re-election. According to reports, she could have a high profile Republican challenger, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

Stefanik who represents the North County, is a strong supporter of President Trump. She was nominated by him to become the Ambassador to the United Nations. However, her nomination was recently pulled because of a slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

On Wednesday, Hochul was asked about Stefanik’s potential run. 

"No matter who the GOP nominee is, next year that I will be running against, it will be an extreme MAGA Republican," said Hochul. "And I look forward to that fight."

The governor also implied that Stefanik’s close ties with the president and his tariff policies would negatively impact Stefanik, even if she wants to stay in Congress.

"Republicans who live in the North Country who are coming to see me— farmers and people who are saying this is unbelievable that no one is standing up for us," Hochul told reporters.

Stefanik’s office has not returned our requests for comment, but she did respond to a Marist Poll that found 57% of residents statewide do not want Hochul to run for re-election.

Stefanik on Wednesday stated, "This latest bombshell polling proves what every New Yorker already knows: that we must FIRE Kathy Hochul in 2026 to SAVE NEW YORK. "

It has also been speculated that Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Congressman Mike Lawler, both Republicans, could also throw their hats in the ring.

While we are told Lawler has not made a decision, he released a statement calling Stefanik a “powerful leader in the House” adding “In the coming months the process will play out to ensure that Republicans have the strongest candidate possible.”

Representative Ritchie Torres and Hochul’s Lieutenant Governor, Antonio Delgado are potential Democratic challengers. Delgado won’t be running with Hochul and has announced “All options are on the table.”