Stefanik now considered front-runner in challenge to Governor Hochul

During the last gubernatorial election in New York, Democrats had a bit of a scare from former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY).

He came far closer than most believed possible, but now the GOP may be putting up a candidate to finally get a Republican in the governor’s mansion in New York.

Zeldin gives them a scare

When Zeldin said he was going to run for governor, I thought it was a joke.

I did not understand why he would give up his congressional seat for what looked like a fantasy.

While Zeldin did not win, he surely proved me wrong, losing the race by about 300,000 votes, far less than I had ever imagined.

Hochul will be back on the ballot again, but this time, she could be facing an even more popular Republican.

Stefanik considering run

Over the last few weeks, reports have been blowing up that Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is considering a run for governor, and she will have Trump’s complete support.

Stefanik, if you recall, had support from both sides of the aisle as Trump’s UN Ambassador, but Trump pulled her nomination because of a dwindling majority in the House for Republicans.

I would imagine that Trump will reward Stefanik with another appointment after the 2026 cycle, but she may have another job already.

While I have never understood Trump’s fascination with Stefanik, he loves her, which means MAGA loves her. And based on the inroads Trump made in New York during the last election, she could be a real threat to win the state.

Front-runner status

A new poll came out this week showing that Stefanik is, by far, the front-runner in the GOP to take on Hochul in the next election.

She held 44% of the support, compared to Mike Lawler, who only had 7%, and Bruce Blakeman, who only had 5%.

For Stefanik, unlike those other candidates, she now has a national profile and is, by far, the most recognizable name. Republican pollster Landon Wall explained, “Should Congresswoman Elise Stefanik choose to enter the race for governor, she would begin the Republican primary in a dominant position and offer the GOP its strongest opportunity to defeat Governor Kathy Hochul in the 2026 general election.”

I look forward to seeing the first polls with Stefanik and Hochul battling it out, as I would all but guarantee that is what Stefanik is waiting on before tossing her hat into this ring. Regardless, this will make for the battle of the 2026 election season, if it comes to fruition.