New York’s own Elise Stefanik, one of the most influential Republicans in Congress and a close ally of President Donald Trump, has officially entered the race for governor — and she’s ready to fight for hardworking families fed up with Democratic mismanagement.
Appearing on Fox & Friends Friday morning, Stefanik declared:
“I’m running for governor to make New York affordable and safe. We have seen decades of single-party rule led by Democrats. And Kathy Hochul is the worst governor in America.”
Fighting for Affordability and Safety
For years, New Yorkers have endured crushing taxes, skyrocketing costs, and unsafe streets — the direct result, Stefanik says, of failed Democratic leadership.
“New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation, with the highest taxes, the highest energy bills, the highest utility bills,” Stefanik said. “We also have a crime crisis because Kathy Hochul has brought us failed bail reform and has embraced the defund-the-police Democrats.”
She continued:
“After this week… when we saw a raging anti-Semite pro-Hamas communist who wants to raise taxes. And frankly, he barely won the majority of New York City voters, Kathy Hochul endorsed him and bent the knee.”
Stefanik made it clear that this campaign will be a coalition of common-sense New Yorkers — Republicans, Independents, and Democrats — united to take back their state.
“This is a broad coalition of Republicans, independents, and Democrats who know that enough is enough. We need commonsense leadership to make New York affordable and safe again.”
A New Generation of Leadership
Stefanik is already assembling a seasoned team, including respected Republican strategist Tony Fabrizio, who served as pollster for President Trump’s 2024 campaign.
In her official statement, she promised:
“I am running for Governor to bring a new generation of leadership to Albany to make New York affordable and safe for families all across our great state.”
“Our campaign will unify Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to Fire Kathy Hochul once and for all to Save New York.”
Stefanik didn’t mince words about her opponent’s record:
“I’ve always put New York families first. Kathy Hochul has put New York families last again and again and again. She’s an accidental governor. She’s only in this position because she was Cuomo’s lieutenant governor.”
Taking the Fight to Albany
For many voters, Stefanik represents the kind of energy and clarity the Republican Party needs in New York. Her campaign centers on restoring economic freedom, supporting law enforcement, and defending traditional American values that Albany elites have ignored for too long.
“People are very concerned about affordability and I have a strong record of delivering for families,” she emphasized. “Kathy Hochul has made New York the most unaffordable state in the nation. We have the highest taxes, the highest energy prices, the highest utility prices, the highest grocery prices, and rent that continues to skyrocket.”
Her focus aligns with what many Republicans see as the winning issue for 2025 — the economy. As families struggle under high costs, Stefanik is promising to restore fiscal sanity and keep the American Dream alive in the Empire State.
Democrats Already on Defense
Predictably, Democrats responded with the same tired attacks. A spokesperson for the New York State Democratic Party claimed Stefanik “is a rubber stamp for Trump’s deeply unpopular agenda,” while the Democratic Governors Association tried to paint her as “Trump’s cheerleader.”
But these criticisms only highlight Stefanik’s strength — her loyalty to a movement that prioritizes working Americans, law and order, and energy independence.
Governor Hochul’s campaign immediately launched a website called “SelloutStefanik” — a move that many conservatives see as a sign of fear rather than confidence.
The Road Ahead
While Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman may also explore a run, Republican insiders widely view Stefanik as the frontrunner for the nomination. With strong fundraising ability, national connections, and a powerful message on affordability and safety, Stefanik has the potential to unite the GOP like no one else has in years.
