Rep. Elise Stefanik considering run for NY governor
Rep. Elise Stefanik weighing run for NY Governor
New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is reportedly considering a run for governor in 2026, potentially challenging incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul. FOX 5’s Linda Schmidt reports on the growing speculation, Stefanik’s close ties to former President Trump, and the possible primary field shaping up among Republicans, including Mike Lawler and Bruce Blakeman.
NEW YORK - Rep. Elise Stefanik is reportedly considering a run for governor of New York.
Stefanik is seriously considering a run after receiving encouragement from Republicans in New York, members of the Trump world and GOP donors. Gov. Kathy Hochul is up for reelection in 2026.
Stefanik, who represents parts of Upstate New York in the lower chamber, has had longtime support from the president, who on Wednesday morning posted about Stefanik on Truth Social, saying simply: "Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is GREAT!!!"
Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, speaks to members of the media ahead of a campaign event with former US President Donald Trump, not pictured, at Madison Square Garden in New York, US, on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. The Republica
Trump had picked her to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations, but the White House pulled that nomination back in March.
Who is Elise Stefanik?
Dig deeper:
The 40-year-old was born and raised in upstate New York. She graduated from Harvard and worked in former President George W. Bush’s White House on the domestic policy council and in the chief of staff’s office.
House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (Haiyun Jiang/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
In 2014, she became the youngest woman ever, at age 30, elected to Congress, representing upstate New York. She later became the youngest woman to serve in House leadership. In 2021, she was named the House Republican Conference Chair.