Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is threatening to upend the New York governor’s race as she considers a challenge to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) next year.
Stefanik has not confirmed that she’s running yet, but the possibility of her jumping in is already unsettling the GOP primary in the Empire State, where Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) had been seen as the most likely choice for the GOP nomination.
Republicans recognize the uphill battle Stefanik could have in the blue stronghold and say they’re hoping to avoid a divisive primary between Lawler and Stefanik, a top ally of President Trump, that could distract from focusing on Hochul and years of Democratic dominance of the state. Still, many in the party remain optimistic that they can pull off an upset after making inroads in 2022…