New York (WRGB) — Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has officially filed and announced her candidacy for Governor of New York, launching what is expected to be a high-profile race against Democratic nominee in 2026.
In her announcement, the Republican congresswoman sharply criticized Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, citing high taxes, rising living costs, and bail reform issues fueling her campaign.
In a statement, Stefanik said,
Kathy Hochul is the Worst Governor in America. Under Kathy Hochul’s failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery prices crushing hardworking families. Hochul has created a crime crisis with failed bail reform and her support of Defund the Police candidates. And when New Yorkers were looking for leadership the most, Kathy Hochul bent the knee to the raging Defund the Police Tax Hiking Antisemite Communist who will destroy New York. I am running for Governor to bring a new generation of leadership to Albany to make New York affordable and safe for families all across our great state. Our campaign will unify Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to Fire Kathy Hochul once and for all to Save New York.
According to Stefanik’s campaign, they are expected to focus heavily on the economy, affordability, and public safety as she aims to appeal to voters beyond New York City.
The announcement comes after months of speculation with reports back in October stating that she planned to formally enter the race following the New York City mayoral election.
Earlier this year, President Trump nominated her to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations before pulling the nomination amid concerns over slim margins in the House of Representatives.
Shortly after Stefanik’s announcement, the Hochul campaign issued a response, calling Stefanik a loyal ally of President Donald Trump.
Hochul campaign communications director Sarafina Chitika said in a statement,
Sellout Stefanik is Donald Trump’s number one cheerleader in Congress and his right-hand woman in his war on New York. Apparently, screwing over New Yorkers in Congress wasn’t enough – now she’s trying to bring Trump’s chaos and skyrocketing costs to our state. While Stefanik puts Trump first and New York last, Governor Hochul is lowering costs, cutting middle-class taxes, and fighting for the New Yorkers Stefanik abandoned.
According to Hochul’s campaign, they highlighted Stefanik’s voting record, accusing her of aligning with Trump’s policies on tariffs, health care, and education cuts, and claiming she supported measures that raised costs for New York families.