UPDATE: Just hours after announcing her candidacy for New York governor in 2026, Republican U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik has garnered swift endorsements from key GOP leaders across the state. With the backing of 56 county Republican chairs, representing over 72% of the weighted vote, Stefanik is positioned as the frontrunner to challenge incumbent Kathy Hochul next year.
Stefanik expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support in a statement released Friday afternoon, declaring, “I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support all across New York.” She highlighted her decade-long commitment to serving New York families and emphasized the robust campaign infrastructure now in place to mount a unified challenge against Hochul, aiming to end 20 years of Democratic control in the state.
Endorsements are rolling in, with Ed Cox, chair of the state Republican Party, and 34 Republican members of the state Assembly, including Minority Leader Will Barclay, throwing their support behind her bid. This growing coalition reflects a strong momentum that could solidify her position as the GOP’s preferred nominee.
The support extends beyond party lines; Gerard Kassar, chairman of the State Conservative Party, stated, “The critical mass of support for Congresswoman Stefanik ensures that she will be the Conservative Party nominee for governor.” The urgency of this endorsement highlights the significant political weight behind her campaign.
As of now, no other major Republican candidates have declared their intent to run, though the deadline is still open for potential challengers. This contrasts sharply with the 2022 election, where former Rep. Lee Zeldin faced multiple GOP contenders before securing the nomination. The state GOP convention is set to take place early next year, where the official candidate will be nominated.
Stefanik, who represents New York’s sprawling 21st Congressional District in the North Country, is determined to challenge Hochul, who is seeking a second full term. Hochul is currently preparing for the race, facing at least one challenger from within her own party, making this election particularly competitive.
With the political landscape rapidly evolving, all eyes will be on Stefanik as she builds her campaign in the coming months. This critical moment in New York politics is drawing significant attention, and the potential implications for both parties are profound. Expect more updates as this story develops, with the stakes high for the future of New York governance.
