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EXCLUSIVE: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, a prominent figure in the GOP, headlined a fundraising dinner in a stronghold of former President Donald Trump’s supporters, indicating a possible shift in New York politics. The event was part of the Staten Island GOP’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner.
During her speech, Stefanik energized the crowd with a bold question: “Are we ready to fire Kathy Hochul next year?” This resonated with the attendees who expressed strong enthusiasm. Hochul, the current Democrat governor of New York, is preparing for re-election next year for a second term.
Stefanik is considered the most notable Republican who has shown interest in challenging Hochul during the 2026 gubernatorial election cycle. As a member of the House GOP leadership, her candidacy could represent a significant shift in the political landscape of New York State.
Stefanik’s Vision for New York
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital prior to the event, Stefanik emphasized the need for a strong Republican candidate to take on Hochul. She stated, “The GOP nominee must be a tough fighter, someone who has faced the media, confronted the radical left, and proved to be a winner.” Her description seemed to reflect her own candidacy.
Stefanik proudly claimed her role as one of Trump’s most supportive allies in the House. She noted, “I stepped up to deliver President Trump’s agenda, which focuses on American energy independence, securing our borders, and cutting taxes for New Yorkers.” She was also the first Republican member to endorse Trump and has chaired his campaign in New York.
Stefanik has maintained a close relationship with Trump, mentioning, “We discuss many subjects, and he is attentive to New York’s needs for strong Republican leadership.” If she decides to run for governor, she added that having Trump’s backing would be an honor.
Republicans Eye a Comeback
Remarkably, it has been 23 years since a Republican won a governor’s race in New York, dating back to George Pataki’s second re-election victory in 2002. This historical context amplifies the stakes for both parties as Hochul enters what is anticipated to be a competitive re-election campaign.
Recent polling reflects an unfavorable sentiment toward Hochul among voters. The latest Siena College survey indicates that while Hochul’s approval numbers remain slightly positive, 55% of registered voters prefer someone else for the gubernatorial position in 2026.
In 2022, Hochul narrowly defeated Republican candidate Lee Zeldin, who made notable strides for a GOP contender in New York, losing by just over six points. Following that election, Trump’s performance in New York improved as he reduced his deficit from the previous presidential election.
Stefanik’s Critique of Hochul
Stefanik has not shied away from criticizing Hochul, branding her as “the worst governor in America.” She believes it is vital for the Republican Party to present a candidate who can resonate with a diverse array of voters. Her own experience flipping a Democrat-held district to Republican solidifies her perspective.
“When I first ran for Congress, I was seen as the underdog. Coming from a small-business background, I successfully flipped a district from Democrat to Republican, and we have maintained a strong lead ever since,” she explained.
Potential GOP Primary Competition
If Stefanik officially enters the race for governor, she might not face a solitary path. Fellow Republican Representative Mike Lawler, who represents crucial swing districts in the northern suburbs of New York City, is also contemplating a gubernatorial run. Lawler has publicly criticized Hochul and described her as “the most feckless, incompetent governor in America.”
Lawler faces an important decision on whether to pursue the governor’s office or seek re-election to his congressional seat. Trump’s recent endorsement of Lawler for re-election suggests a preference for maintaining a Republican presence in the House rather than pursuing the gubernatorial contest at this juncture.
Additionally, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, another Trump ally, has expressed interest in the governor’s race, further complicating the GOP landscape.
Impact of Challengers for Hochul
The Democratic Governor’s Association (DGA) recently made waves by asserting that the Republican nomination in New York hinges on Trump’s influence. This echoes concerns expressed by other political analysts regarding the fragmentation within the GOP as various candidates gear up for a significant electoral showdown in 2026.
Adding to the dynamic, Hochul now faces a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor, Anthonio Delgado. His candidacy represents an unusual maneuver where a sitting lieutenant governor challenges an incumbent, reflecting growing dissatisfaction within the Democratic ranks.
Delgado announced his campaign by calling for “bold, decisive, transformational leadership,” positioning himself as a fresh alternative to Hochul’s governance.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As the electoral landscape continues to evolve, recent polling shows that Hochul retains support over Delgado, yet Stefanik argues that the primary challenge points to widespread discontent among voters about the governor’s effectiveness. “My position is that this underscores her failures as a leader,” she stated, emphasizing the sentiment shared by many New Yorkers, including independents and Democrats.
When asked whether the swirling political dynamics would push her closer to declaring her intentions for a gubernatorial run, Stefanik noted that she is actively evaluating her options and is traveling across the state to connect with constituents. She affirmed, “I’ll be making my decision over the coming months, and I’m committed to reaching out to every corner of New York State.”
As Stefanik engages with voters, her potential candidacy could represent a pivotal moment for Republicans in New York, possibly altering the political landscape in a state traditionally dominated by Democrats.
