Now Trump’s focus is on controlling New York, with his loyal Elise Stefanik as the candidate

US President Donald Trump appears unwilling to accept the defeat of his endorsed candidate Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral election. Now, he is eager to take control of New York State. Consequently, his close Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has officially announced her candidacy for New York governor.

The New York gubernatorial election will be held in November 2026. Stefanik’s likely opponent is the current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

Announcing her campaign, Stefanik called Hochul the “worst governor in the United States” on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). She claimed that due to Hochul’s failed leadership, New York has become “the most expensive state in the country.”

Stefanik has represented New York’s 21st congressional district since 2014. The 41-year-old is a close ally of President Trump and was one of his key supporters during his first impeachment in 2019.

Stefanik also criticized Hochul for delaying her support to Johanna Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race. She claimed Hochul “bowed to communist Johanna Mamdani, who advocates for defunding the New York Police and raising taxes.” These measures, Stefanik warned, could bring disaster to families in New York.

Following Stefanik’s announcement, Governor Hochul responded sharply, calling Stefanik Trump’s “number one cheerleader in Congress and right-hand woman in Trump’s battle against New York.”

Trump had nominated Stefanik as US ambassador to the UN during his second term, but later withdrew the nomination due to Republican majority considerations in Congress.

Recent polls show 52 percent support for Hochul, compared to 27 percent for Stefanik. However, dissatisfaction with Hochul’s leadership is also evident; 52 percent of voters want a different governor in 2026.

Stefanik may face a challenge in the Republican primary. Hochul could also face a challenge in the Democratic primary from Lieutenant Governor Antony Delgado. The last Republican governor of New York was George Pataki, who served until 2007.

Khaborwala/TSN