Representative Elise Stefanik, a six-term congresswoman, has talked with Republicans about a 2026 bid for governor of New York.
Representative Elise Stefanik, a leading Republican ally of President Trump, is considering running for governor of New York in 2026, according to three people directly familiar with her thinking.
Ms. Stefanik, a six-term congresswoman, had been poised to become Mr. Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations. But in late March, the president asked her to withdraw because of concern about how her open seat might affect Republicans’ minuscule voting margin in the House.
The congresswoman’s allies said on Wednesday that in the weeks since, Republicans in Washington and New York had urged her to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul, and she is taking steps to explore that possibility. They believe that Ms. Hochul, a Democrat, is vulnerable and argue that Ms. Stefanik could help put the state in play.
A spokesman for Ms. Stefanik declined to comment on Wednesday.
The congresswoman, 40, stoked speculation about a potential candidacy in a speech Tuesday night as she accepted an award from New York Republicans at the Plaza Hotel. Afterward, she told NY1 that she was “honored” to be considered for the role but did not commit to running.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fire Kathy Hochul once and for all,” Ms. Stefanik said. “For so long, Democrats have had one-party rule in Albany, and it has caused a decaying of our state.”
The people familiar with her thinking, who insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations, said Ms. Stefanik would also consider taking another role in Mr. Trump’s administration (the president has suggested he might find her another post) or maintaining her leadership position in the House. Others pointed out that she had seriously considered a run for governor in 2022 and decided to pass.
