ALBANY, New York — Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik will announce her candidacy for governor on Friday, sources told CBS News New York. The longtime critic of Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul has hinted for months about running in the 2026 election, positioning herself as the GOP frontrunner.
In May, President Donald Trump signaled his support for Stefanik by endorsing Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Rep. Mike Lawler for reelection, effectively discouraging them from entering the race. Lawler has since confirmed he will seek reelection, while Blakeman remains undecided.
On the Democratic side, Hochul faces a primary challenge from her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. Stefanik, who represents New York’s 21st Congressional District, first made history in 2014 as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at age 30.
Trump had nominated Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in 2024 but later withdrew her nomination, saying he wanted her to stay in Congress to help maintain the GOP majority.
A Siena College poll in September found Hochul leading Stefanik 52% to 27% in a hypothetical matchup.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
