Following the defeat of her endorsed candidate Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral election, U.S. President Donald Trump appears unwilling to accept the outcome and is seeking influence over the New York gubernatorial race. In this context, his close ally, Republican Congresswoman Alice Stefanik, has announced her candidacy for New York Governor.
The gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026. Stefanik’s likely opponent is current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. Stefanik described Hochul on social media as “the worst governor in the United States” and accused her of turning New York into “the country’s most expensive state” due to failed leadership.
Alice Stefanik has represented New York’s 21st Congressional District since 2014 and is a close ally of President Trump. She was a key supporter during Trump’s first impeachment in 2019. Stefanik also criticised Hochul for delaying her support of Yohren Mamdani in the New York City mayoral election, accusing Hochul of bowing to Mamdani, “a communist advocating police funding cuts and tax increases,” which could be disastrous for New York families.
Hochul responded by labelling Stefanik as Trump’s “number one cheerleader in Congress and his right-hand woman in the fight against New York.” Trump had previously nominated Stefanik for a second term as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, but the nomination was later withdrawn due to Congressional majority considerations.
Recent polls show 52% support for Hochul and 27% for Stefanik. Despite this, 52% of voters want a different governor in 2026. Stefanik may face competition in the Republican primary, while Hochul could also be challenged by Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado in the Democratic primary. The last Republican governor of New York was George Pataki, who served until 2007.
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