Republican Representative Elise Stefanik is set to announce her candidacy for New York governor this November, according to a source familiar with her plans. As a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, Stefanik has been laying the groundwork for a challenge against Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul in the 2026 election.
Stefanik intends to formally declare her run shortly after the New York City mayoral election, which is scheduled for Tuesday. She is reportedly preparing her campaign with significant financial backing, boasting over $13 million in cash. To bolster her campaign, she has enlisted a team of seasoned aides, including several who have previously worked with Trump.
Tony Fabrizio, who serves as a strategist for Trump’s 2024 campaign, will be Stefanik’s pollster. Chris Grant, known for his leadership in a pro-Trump super PAC, will also lend his expertise as an adviser. Tim Sale, another official from Trump’s 2024 efforts, is joining the team, alongside Stefanik’s chief strategist and CFO, Alex deGrasse, and her chief of staff, Patrick Hester.
Despite prior speculation about fellow New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler entering the gubernatorial race, he has chosen to remain in the House, following Trump’s preference for him to hold onto his competitive seat in Congress.
As she gears up for the race, Stefanik has expressed her intent to tackle various issues head-on, including immigration and public safety policies. Their differences were highlighted during a recent congressional hearing, where Stefanik challenged Hochul’s stance on New York’s sanctuary policies concerning undocumented immigrants—a likely focal point in their upcoming campaign.
Governor Hochul has already indicated her eagerness for the anticipated showdown, stating in a CNN interview, “I look forward to that fight. No matter who it is, it’s not settled yet, but I say bring it on.” This electoral battle promises to be a significant event in New York politics, reflecting the national tensions within the Republican and Democratic parties alike.
The upcoming months will be pivotal as Stefanik formally enters the race and positions herself against Hochul, setting the stage for a competitive gubernatorial election.