GOP Leaders Rally Behind Elise Stefanik for NY Governor Race

UPDATE: Just hours after announcing her candidacy for New York governor in 2026, Republican U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik has garnered overwhelming support from key GOP leaders across the state, positioning her as a frontrunner against incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul.

In a significant show of unity, 56 county Republican chairs, representing more than 72% of the weighted vote, have officially endorsed Stefanik’s campaign. “I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support all across New York,” Stefanik stated. She emphasized her decade-long commitment to New York families and her efforts to uplift Republican candidates, claiming, “We have the infrastructure and support to mount the most unified campaign for a Republican candidate to defeat Kathy Hochul to save our state.”

This swift endorsement signals a pivotal moment for the GOP as they aim to reclaim the governorship after two decades of Democratic leadership. State Republican Party Chair Ed Cox and a significant majority of the 34 Republican members of the state Assembly, including Minority Leader Will Barclay, have also thrown their weight behind her campaign, solidifying her status as the party’s preferred nominee.

The momentum extends beyond the GOP, with State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar asserting that “the critical mass of support for Congresswoman Stefanik ensures that she will be the Conservative Party nominee for governor.” This bipartisan backing might be crucial as Stefanik prepares to tackle the challenges ahead, aiming to unseat Hochul, who is running for a second full term.

Currently, no other substantial candidates have declared their intent to run, although the window remains open. The GOP primary landscape could shift as the state party plans to hold a convention early next year to formally nominate their candidate.

Stefanik, who has represented New York’s sprawling 21st Congressional District in the North Country for the past ten years, faces a significant challenge in disrupting the status quo of Democratic dominance in the Empire State. As she embarks on this ambitious campaign, the potential implications for New York politics are profound, and her early endorsements suggest a robust path forward.

With the political landscape rapidly evolving, all eyes will be on Stefanik and the GOP as they gear up for what promises to be a highly competitive race against Gov. Hochul. Voters and political analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this developing story unfolds in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates as the situation progresses.