OFFICIAL: The rumors are over – Stefanik announces bid for New York Governor, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The rumors are no more, as North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) has officially announced her bid for New York State Governor, 2026.

The announcement was revealed Friday morning. She will be taking on her political foe and Democratic incumbent, Kathy Hochul, who took over the helm after former Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned in August, 2021.

Hochul has already dismissed Stefanik’s announcement, calling her the “number one cheerleader in Congress” and also referred to her as President Trump’s “right hand woman in his war on New York.”

Meanwhile without holding back, Stefanik kept up her rhetoric against Hochul, accusing her of “failed leadership” and being the “worst Governor in America.”

“I am running for Governor to make New York affordable and safe FOR ALL,” Stefanik declared in a released statement.

Stefanik has represented New York’s 21st Congressional District now for over a decade and has become a staunch Trump supporter, while being an outspoken critic of former Governor Cuomo and now Kathy Hochul.

The 2026 election will be observed on November 3 next-year.

Elise Stefanik image.