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Stefanik Kicks Off Gubernatorial Bid, Vows to Make New York “Affordable and Safe”
ALBANY, NY – Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) officially launched her campaign for New York governor on Friday, setting the stage for a high-profile challenge to incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul in the 2026 election. Stefanik, a prominent figure in the House Republican Conference, wasted no time in criticizing the current administration, pledging to address issues of affordability and public safety across the state.
Speaking on “Fox & Friends” Friday, Stefanik declared, “Kathy Hochul is the worst governor in America.” She continued, “New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation, with the highest taxes, the highest energy bills, the highest utility bills.” Her early campaign platform is expected to center on these economic concerns, alongside an emphasis on crime reduction within the Empire State.
The announcement immediately stirred the political waters in what is traditionally a strongly Democratic state. Governor Hochul, who has indicated her intention to seek re-election though a formal announcement is pending, quickly responded to Stefanik’s entry into the race.
“Our campaign’s message to Trump’s No. 1 cheerleader? Bring it on… ” Hochul stated, labeling Stefanik a “disaster for New York.”
In a social media post, the Governor added, “Elise Stefanik is running to deliver New York for Donald Trump and raise your costs. Not on my watch.
My message to Trump’s ‘top ally’ – bring it on.”
Stefanik, whose upstate New York district leans conservative, has been a vocal critic of Democratic leadership within the state. She recently targeted New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist, in her remarks.
“… we saw a raging anti-Semite, pro-Hamas communist who wants to raise taxes – and frankly, he barely won the majority of New York City voters,” Stefanik told “Fox & Friends.” She further asserted, “Kathy Hochul endorsed him and bent the knee. She has failed New Yorkers.”
Governor Hochul made history in 2021 as New York’s first female governor, taking office after the resignation of then-Governor Andrew Cuomo amidst sexual harassment allegations. She secured a full term in 2022, defeating Republican challenger Lee Zeldin.
The 2026 gubernatorial contest is anticipated to be one of the most closely watched statewide elections nationwide, with both parties expected to invest significant resources in the race to lead one of America’s bluest states.