Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) announced Friday that she is running for governor of New York, directly challenging Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Stefanik cited the governor’s support for New York City’s “raging Defund the Police, tax-hiking Communist” Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
Her announcement comes days after Mamdani secured his victory with Hochul’s endorsement.
In her launch statement, Stefanik criticized Hochul’s leadership and tied her to rising costs and progressive policies across the state.
She noted that those problems will now only worsen after a radical socialist was elected to lead New York City, the citadel of capitalism.
“Kathy Hochul is the Worst Governor in America,” Stefanik said.
“Under her failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery bills.
“When New Yorkers were looking for leadership from our Governor, she bent the knee to the raging Defund the Police, tax-hiking Communist, causing catastrophe for New York families.”
Stefanik pledged that, if elected, she would make New York “affordable and safe FOR ALL.”
In a campaign ad released alongside her announcement, Stefanik highlighted her priorities, including lowering utility, energy, and grocery costs.
The ad also referenced her work opposing “woke insanity in our schools,” supporting small businesses.
She also criticized Hochul for “cozying” up to Mamdani, whom she referred to as an “anti-Semitic communist.”
Kathy Hochul is the Worst Governor in America. Under her failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery bills. When New Yorkers were looking for leadership from our Governor, she bent… pic.twitter.com/HXyQlNIjEj
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) November 7, 2025
Stefanik, a close ally of President Donald Trump, previously served as chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2025.
Although New York typically leans heavily Democrat, recent polls indicate the race could be competitive.
A GrayHouse survey conducted last month showed Hochul leading Stefanik 48% to 43% in a hypothetical matchup.
The same poll found that 47% of independent voters said Mamdani’s mayoral victory would make them less likely to support a Democrat candidate in the governor’s race.
Hochul campaigned alongside Mamdani throughout the mayoral race, saying he had “the courage, urgency, and optimism New York City needs to lead it through the challenges of this moment.”
Mamdani was elected on a platform that included freezing rent for two million residents, launching government-run grocery stores, and providing universal childcare.
Shortly after Stefanik announced her run, New York GOP Chairman Ed Cox endorsed her.
“Thanks to Kathy Hochul and Democrats, New York leads the nation in outmigration as the most taxed, least free, least affordable state in America,” Cox said.
“There will not be a Republican primary and a year from now, Elise will lead our team to victory over Kathy Hochul, end one-party Democrat rule, and make New York affordable again.”
READ MORE – Zohran Mamdani Celebrates NYC Mayoral Win by Invoking His Marxist Idol
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