Rep. Elise Stefanik Plans New York Governor Run

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), a close ally of President Trump, is preparing to officially launch her campaign for governor of New York, with multiple sources confirming it is a matter of when, not if. Stefanik currently leads in polling for the Republican primary, commanding 44% support compared to 7% for Rep. Mike Lawler and 5% for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, both of whom received Trump endorsements for reelection to their current positions, suggesting Trump may be clearing the field for Stefanik. Stefanik’s gubernatorial bid comes amid recent GOP gains in New York, where Trump improved his 2024 performance significantly and the 2022 gubernatorial race was narrowly won by Democrat Kathy Hochul. Despite these shifts, the Cook Political Report still categorizes the upcoming governor’s race as “likely Democratic.” Stefanik’s campaign launch is anticipated soon, and she will face the challenge of winning the Republican primary, with Lawler potentially mounting a serious challenge. Republicans express cautious optimism about flipping the traditionally Democratic state in the 2026 election cycle.