House Republican raises $1M while expecting New York 2026 ‘referendum’ on Hochul
Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is making waves in New York with an aggressive fundraising campaign aimed at flipping districts to red in the upcoming midterms. After President Trump made surprising gains in solid-blue New York in 2024, Tenney is capitalizing on the momentum to help her party expand the House majority in 2026.
In the first quarter alone, Rep. Tenney has raised over $1 million in donations, with more than $223,000 being transferred to the National Republican Congressional Committee. This impressive fundraising haul is attributed to 5,500 donations from more than 2,400 donors.
Tenney sees the 2026 election as a “referendum” on Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, whom she accuses of creating a “catastrophic powder keg” in the state prison system. She also criticizes New York Attorney General Letitia James, labeling her as “extremely unpopular” and accusing her of engaging in malicious prosecution and lawfare.
As the founder of the House Election Integrity Caucus, Tenney believes that her success in the 2022 and 2024 elections was due to aggressive advocacy and grassroots efforts aimed at both Republicans and Democrat-leaning moderates. She hopes to send more Republicans from New York to the House of Representatives and challenge for the governor’s seat and several statewide offices.
Tenney is optimistic about the Republicans’ chances in the New York City mayoral race, where former Governor Andrew Cuomo is seen as a top contender. Current mayor Eric Adams, who has decided to run in the June primary as an independent, has faced backlash from fellow Democrats for his cooperation with the Trump administration on immigration issues.
Reflecting on her time in the state legislature since 2010, Tenney criticizes Cuomo for implementing policies that she describes as “catastrophic” and going back on his campaign promises. She believes that the 2026 election will be a test for Democrats who continue to focus on divisive issues that do not resonate with voters.
As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Tenney plans to push for the extension of Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and focus on energy policy in her district. She highlights rising energy costs in New York as a major concern and vows to work towards energy security and prosperity for the state.
In conclusion, Tenney believes that the post-2024 environment presents an opportunity for Republicans in New York to make a difference. She is committed to replacing Democrats with common-sense Republicans who prioritize the needs of New Yorkers and are focused on the future of the state.
