Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, is making headlines as she considers a run for governor in 2026. This comes after President Trump decided to withdraw her nomination for the U.N. ambassadorship, a move she says she is proud of as it allows her to focus on serving the American people.
In a recent interview, Stefanik expressed her commitment to her constituents and her role in Congress. She mentioned that her decision to remain in the House was a team player move, emphasizing her dedication to delivering results for the American people. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has already begun to criticize Stefanik, calling her an "extreme MAGA Republican" and highlighting concerns from local residents about Trump’s tariffs and their impact on the North Country.
Hochul’s remarks come as she faces her own political challenges. With a low approval rating of 39%, she is aware that her governance is under scrutiny, especially after her close race against Republican Lee Zeldin in the last gubernatorial election. Hochul has stated that she looks forward to a tough competition against whoever the GOP nominates.
Stefanik did not take Hochul’s comments lightly. She fired back on social media, pointing out that Hochul’s popularity is particularly low in the North Country, where she claims even Democratic candidates shy away from openly supporting the governor. Stefanik accused Hochul of disenfranchising voters and harming local farmers.
As the political landscape heats up, both women are gearing up for what could be a contentious race. Stefanik’s potential gubernatorial bid is being encouraged by Trump’s allies, and she is seen as a strong candidate within the GOP. On the Democratic side, Hochul faces challenges from figures like Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and Rep. Ritchie Torres, who are also considering a run.
The 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a significant event in New York politics. With both parties gearing up for a fierce battle, voters will be watching closely to see how these dynamics unfold in the coming months.