Elise Stefanik Announces 2026 Gubernatorial Run

Republican Representative Elise Stefanik has announced her candidacy for the 2026 New York gubernatorial race, becoming the 11th GOP House member to declare a bid. Her announcement was met with mockery, and she has already engaged in a war of words with current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. The upcoming contest is expected to be highly contentious, with Stefanik positioning herself as a MAGA ally. As political tensions rise, both candidates are preparing for an intense electoral battle in a state traditionally dominated by Democrats.