Trump ally Stefanik signals potential run against Hochul for New York governor
Staten Island, New York is known as a MAGA stronghold in the midst of Democrat-dominated New York City. At a recent GOP fundraising dinner, Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik made waves by hinting at a potential challenge to Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul in the upcoming elections.
Stefanik, a six-term congresswoman from a red-leaning district in Upstate New York, posed the question to attendees, “Are we ready to fire Kathy Hochul next year?” Her bold statement drew loud cheers from the crowd, indicating a strong desire for change in the governor’s mansion.
As a member of the House GOP’s leadership, Stefanik is positioning herself as a tough fighter who is unafraid to take on the media, the radical left, and anyone who doubts her abilities. In her speech, she emphasized the need for a proven winner to challenge Hochul in 2026.
Stefanik’s close ties to former President Donald Trump are well-known, and she proudly proclaims herself as one of his top supporters in the House. She highlighted her work to advance Trump’s agenda, including promoting American energy independence, securing the border, and cutting taxes for New Yorkers.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Stefanik expressed her admiration for Trump and his leadership. She revealed that they frequently discuss the political landscape in New York and agreed that the state needs strong Republican leadership to thrive.
The prospect of Stefanik running for governor has sparked excitement among Republicans who believe she could be the candidate to unseat Hochul. While it has been over two decades since a Republican won a gubernatorial election in New York, recent polling suggests that the tide may be turning against Hochul.
Despite Hochul’s current approval ratings, a majority of New Yorkers are open to the idea of a new leader in 2026. Stefanik has been vocal in her criticism of Hochul, labeling her as the “worst governor in America” due to her failed policies and lackluster leadership.
As Stefanik weighs her decision to run for governor, she faces potential competition from fellow Republicans like Rep. Mike Lawler and Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman. However, she believes that Republicans will ultimately unite behind a strong candidate to challenge Hochul in the upcoming election.
In a surprising turn of events, Hochul now faces a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. This development underscores the growing discontent within the Democratic Party and bolsters Stefanik’s argument that Hochul’s leadership is faltering.
With the political landscape in New York shifting, Stefanik’s potential candidacy for governor has the potential to shake up the race. Her strong ties to Trump, her proven track record in Congress, and her commitment to representing all New Yorkers could make her a formidable challenger to Hochul in 2026. Watch this space for updates on Stefanik’s decision and the upcoming election season in New York.
