Staunch Donald Trump loyalist Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY) is reportedly considering a run for governor in her traditionally blue home state.
Sources told NBC News that Republicans in New York, members of Trump’s circle and GOP donors are encouraging the Trump sycophant to enter the gubernatorial race. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is up for re-election next year.
The news comes after Trump withdrew Stefanik’s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and asked her to stay in Congress instead to protect Republicans’ narrow majority.
In a statement, New York State Democratic Party spokesperson Addison Dick called Stefanik a member of a “pathetic crew of Trump minions.”
“New York Republicans can’t field a serious candidate from their pathetic crew of Trump minions. New Yorkers want nothing to do with the clown show of Trump loyalists who are only focused on enabling Trump’s agenda that is raising costs, gutting health care, and attacking New Yorkers’ freedoms,” Dick said.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y) one of the most vulnerable Republicans up for re-election in 2026, is also considering a gubernatorial bid.
