Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) officially launched her 2026 gubernatorial campaign, pledging to make New York 'safe and affordable' by reversing what she terms Governor Kathy Hochul’s 'catastrophe,' criticizing the incumbent's policies on affordability, crime, and taxes.
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) has formally entered the 2026 New York gubernatorial race, announcing her bid with a dramatic campaign kickoff video titled 'From the Ashes.' The video portrays New York in decline under Governor Kathy Hochul, juxtaposing imagery of Hochul with bleak headlines about high tax rates, migrant crime, and a middle-class exodus. Stefanik's campaign blames Hochul's 'failed policies' for making New York 'the most unaffordable state,' citing soaring taxes, rent, energy, and grocery costs. The video also attacks Hochul's support for NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, labeling him a 'defund-the-police, tax-hiking, antisemitic Communist.' Stefanik, presented as a 'working mom, congresswoman and fighter,' pledges to 'clean up Kathy Hochul’s catastrophe,' make New York affordable and safe, reduce household bills, and restore the state's greatness. Her platform highlights past successes like increasing the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap and her stance against 'woke insanity' and antisemitism on college campuses. Stefanik aims to become the first Republican governor in New York in two decades, claiming broad support across party lines. In response, Hochul's campaign communications director, Sarafina Chitika, criticized Stefanik as 'Donald Trump’s number one cheerleader,' accusing her of prioritizing Trump over New Yorkers and attempting to bring 'Trump’s chaos and skyrocketing costs' to the state, while asserting Hochul is focused on lowering costs and cutting taxes.
