UPDATE: Just hours after officially announcing her candidacy for New York governor in 2026, Republican U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik has garnered significant support from GOP leaders statewide, positioning her as a formidable contender against current Governor Kathy Hochul.
Stefanik revealed on Friday afternoon that she has secured endorsements from 56 county Republican chairs, which represent over 72% of the weighted vote. This overwhelming backing places her in a strong position to become the Republican Party’s preferred nominee in the upcoming election.
“I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support all across New York,” Stefanik stated. She emphasized her decade of service to New York families in Congress and her commitment to unifying the party to defeat Hochul. “We have the infrastructure and support to mount the most unified campaign for a Republican candidate to save our state.”
The endorsements extend beyond the Republican establishment. State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar declared, “The critical mass of support for Congresswoman Stefanik ensures that she will be the Conservative Party nominee for governor.” This dual backing from both major Republican factions further solidifies her position.
In addition to the county chairs, Stefanik has also received endorsements from state Republican Party Chair Ed Cox and a majority of the Republican members of the state Assembly, including Minority Leader Will Barclay. This solidifies her status as a leading candidate, with no other substantial GOP challengers currently in the race.
While former Rep. Lee Zeldin was the early favorite in 2022, ultimately facing a primary contest against three opponents, the landscape appears different this time. The state GOP is set to hold a convention early next year to formally nominate their candidate, and with the current momentum, Stefanik is poised to secure the nomination without significant opposition.
Stefanik, who has represented New York’s sprawling 21st Congressional District in the North Country for the past 10 years, is now taking on the challenging task of unseating Hochul and breaking two decades of Democratic dominance in the state. Hochul is campaigning for a second full term, facing at least one challenger from her own party—her lieutenant governor.
The stakes are high as New York voters prepare for a pivotal election year, and Stefanik’s rapid rise in support indicates a growing desire for change among Republican circles. As the campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on how Stefanik leverages this early momentum to rally voters across the state.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!
