Leftists out of this blue state are crumbling thanks to this Trump ally’s announcement

elise stefanik

Democrats are in defense mode. Everything they’ve built is starting to fall apart.

And Leftists out of this blue state are crumbling thanks to this Trump ally’s announcement.

Elise Stefanik Eyes 2026 New York Governor Race

In a potential shake-up for New York politics, Rep. Elise Stefanik is exploring a bid for governor in 2026, sources confirmed to the New York Post. The news broke shortly after President Trump took to social media to hail the upstate Republican as “GREAT!!!”—a glowing endorsement that has sparked buzz about her ambitions. At 40, Stefanik could become the first Republican to helm the Empire State since George Pataki’s tenure ended in 2006.

According to NBC News, Stefanik is sizing up a challenge against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, whom insiders say the Republican views as a vulnerable opponent.

With roughly $10 million in campaign funds, strong approval among state Republicans, and a 2024 election performance that outshone Trump’s in her rural district, Stefanik is positioned as a formidable contender. “She is being advised and pushed to consider by allies of [Trump] and longtime friends,” a source familiar with the discussions revealed to the New York Post.

The excitement around Stefanik’s potential run is palpable. “Elise has been approached by major donors, New York GOP leadership and Trumpworld to run for governor,” a second source close to the congresswoman shared.

Another insider described her as “the most popular Republican in the state,” noting that she “performs far better than Trump—if anyone could win, it would be her.” However, the source emphasized that Stefanik is still in the exploratory phase, with no firm timeline for a decision.

Stefanik herself fanned the flames of speculation on Wednesday, issuing a statement that seized on a Marist University poll showing Hochul’s approval rating at a dismal 39%, with 46% of New Yorkers disapproving.

“This latest bombshell polling proves what every New Yorker already knows: that we must FIRE Kathy Hochul in 2026 to SAVE NEW YORK,” her email blast declared. She lambasted Hochul’s leadership, citing “incompetence, corruption, and radical failed Far Left policies” that she claims have driven businesses and families out of the state with “crushing high taxes,” lax border policies, and a “crime crisis” fueled by Democratic reforms.

Other Republicans, like Hudson Valley Rep. Mike Lawler, have also floated interest in the governor’s mansion, with Lawler often joking about his Albany aspirations. But Stefanik’s close ties to Trump—evidenced by his nomination of her as UN ambassador earlier this year—give her a unique edge.

Though Trump later withdrew the nomination to preserve the GOP’s slim House majority, his allies have been brainstorming ways to elevate her, and his Wednesday morning post only amplified the chatter.

Trump’s influence looms large, especially after he garnered over 43% of New York’s vote in the last election, a 5.5% improvement over 2020. Yet state Democrats are already framing the 2026 race as a referendum on Trump’s orbit.

“New York Republicans can’t field a serious candidate from their pathetic crew of Trump minions,” scoffed Addison Dick, a spokesperson for the New York State Democratic Party.

Dick argued that New Yorkers reject “Trump loyalists” who prioritize “raising costs, gutting health care, and attacking New Yorkers’ freedoms.”

Hochul, whose negative approval ratings signal vulnerability, has vowed to seek re-election after narrowly defeating Republican Lee Zeldin by 6.4% in 2022.

Her path could grow rockier if she faces a bruising Democratic primary, with Rep. Ritchie Torres and former Rep. Jamaal Bowman eyeing challenges.

As Stefanik weighs her next move, the 2026 race is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle for New York’s future, with the GOP sensing an opening to reclaim the governor’s mansion for the first time in two decades.

Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.

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