United States: On Sunday, U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik from the Republican Party indicated “strong considerations” to run for New York governorship next year, which could lead to a matchup against current Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul, as reported by Reuters.
“New Yorkers, not just Republicans, but independents and Democrats as well, are yearning for a new generation of leadership to bring common sense back to our state. So, absolutely, I’m taking a hard look at it, and the outpouring of support has been tremendous. And Kathy Hochul is the worst governor in America,” Stefanik said in an interview on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo” broadcast.
From D.C. Power Player to Statewide Contender?
When President Donald Trump selected her for the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations position, Stefanik became the fourth-highest ranking Republican in the House of Representatives. She was both a six-time elected congresswoman and 40 years old at that time. After stepping down from her leadership position, the White House decided to cancel her ambassador nomination because of Republicans holding a narrow majority in the House of 220-213.
Following her appointment, Stefanik received the position as chairwoman of House Republican leadership, but this position was seen as less influential than her previous role.
You know what I would give to see Elise win the New York governor? Take down Hochul it would be nice to see her lose but I know New York is democrat. https://t.co/b9uWc0vMt6
— Annie Pistol Packin Oakley (@AnneRifleOakley) May 5, 2025
GOP Looks to End Longtime Democratic Control
The Republican party has not controlled the New York state governorship since George Pataki finished two consecutive terms between 1995 and 2007.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris defeated Donald Trump in New York during the presidential vote of 2024 by a substantial margin of 13 points. Stefanik would seek backing among conservatives between Long Island and upstate New York in case she gained a congressional nomination.
“Absolutely, I am strongly considering it because of the crises that Kathy Hochul and the single-party Democrat rule have delivered to New Yorkers,” she said, pointing to issues of affordability, high taxes, and crime.
A Rising GOP Star with a History of Firsts
In 2014 Stefanik made history by becoming the youngest female member of Congress and she has worked to uncover the responses from prestigious U.S. universities such as Columbia University towards Gaza war protests, as reported by Reuters.
The upstate New York constituency where Stefanik represents is predicted to remain uncompetitive during the 2018 midterms which Democrats aim to use for a House takeover. Presidents lose seats for their party during midterm elections when their terms are in office.