Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is considering running for governor in 2026, with sources close to her confirming that she is being encouraged by allies of Trump and longtime friends. Stefanik, who is currently the chairwoman of House Republican Leadership, has proven popular among Republican voters in New York, winning with 62% of the vote in her conservative district in the last election. She has also outperformed Trump in her district in the past few elections, leading some to believe she could do well with New York’s swing voters. A recent Marist poll showing Governor Hochul’s underwater approval ratings has bolstered support for Stefanik’s potential candidacy.
Despite initially being considered for President Trump’s United Nations Ambassador, Stefanik’s nomination was withdrawn to help bolster the House Republican majority. She currently has $10 million cash-on-hand through her entities and is seen as a key ally to Trump. Trump has praised Stefanik for her commitment to delivering results and has asked her to remain in Congress to help advance the America First Agenda. While she has not officially announced her candidacy for governor, she has the support of influential figures within the Republican Party.
Stefanik’s potential bid for governor is part of a larger trend of well-known Republicans in New York considering a run in 2026. Rep. Mike Lawler and other prominent GOP figures are also mulling a gubernatorial bid in the upcoming election. The Democratic Governors Association has criticized the potential Republican candidates as being aligned with Trump’s extreme agenda, but with Hochul’s approval ratings struggling, Republicans see an opportunity to end the Democratic winning streak in the state.
The last Republican to win a gubernatorial election in New York was former Gov. George Pataki in 2002. Despite the state’s Democratic leanings, recent performances by GOP candidates like Lee Zeldin have shown that there is a possibility for Republicans to make gains in the state. With Hochul facing potential primary challenges and her approval ratings slipping, Republicans are hopeful that they can break the Democrats’ hold on the governor’s mansion in the upcoming election. Additionally, Stefanik’s potential departure from the House could impact the GOP’s majority, but party leaders remain focused on advancing their conservative agenda.
Stefanik’s decision to run for governor would require her to leave her House seat at the end of December 2025 if elected. Her vote was crucial in advancing recent legislation, highlighting her importance to the Republican agenda in Congress. While the race for governor in New York is expected to be fiercely contested, with various candidates vying to be the standard-bearer for the GOP, all eyes will be on the outcome of the 2026 election and whether Republicans can make significant gains in the traditionally blue state.
