Local Congresswoman Announces Run for Governor
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-22) has announced she is running for governor in 2026 against incumbent Kathy Hochul.
The announcement came on Nov. 7, three days after the municipal elections in the state. In her statement and announcement video, Stefanik attacked the incumbent and highlighted affordability as one of the top issues.
“Kathy Hochul is the Worst Governor in America,” The opening line of her statement read. “Under Kathy Hochul’s failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery prices crushing hardworking families.”
Stefanik’s Congressional District encompasses the northern half of Saratoga County. The entire town of Saratoga and the majority of Wilton fall within the district on the eastern side of the county while everything north of and including the Towns of Greenfield and Providence falls within the district in the west.
Stefanik, 41, has served in Congress since first being elected in 2014. At the time of her election, she was the youngest member of the House of Representatives. Prior to serving in Congress, she worked for then President George W. Bush’s administration from 2006-2009 as well as her family’s business in Essex County, according to official biographies. Stefanik lists her home as being in Schuylerville.
In Congress, Stefanik serves the House Armed Services Committee, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. She previously served as Conference Chair for the House GOP and had been nominated to be the US Ambassador to the United Nations.
In 2024, the most recent election, Stefanik beat her Democrat challenger Paula Collins with 62% of the vote. Prior to announcing her run for Governor, Stefanik raised $1,980,190.47 for her run for reelection in the House of Representatives.
After announcing her run for Governor, Stefanik quickly received the backing of most county Republican Committees in the state — including Saratoga County — as well as several elected officials. State Senator James Tedisco, who represents Saratoga County, offered his endorsement as did Assemblywoman Marry Beth Walsh.
If Stefanik earns the nomination, she will be the first woman to run as the Republican Party nominee for New York Governor.