(The Epoch Times)—Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) said on May 4 that she is “strongly considering” a run in next year’s New York gubernatorial race, amid speculation about her potential candidacy for the role.
In an interview on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo,” Stefanik said she received “tremendous” support to run for state governor but stopped short of making her bid official.
“Absolutely I am strongly considering,“ she said, citing what she called ”the crises“ that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and other Democrats in the state have caused New Yorkers ”over a period of decades.”
Stefanik said that under Hochul’s leadership, New York has grappled with an economic crisis and increased crime rates.
“New Yorkers, not just Republicans, but independents and Democrats as well, are yearning for a new generation of leadership to bring common sense back to our state,” she stated. “So absolutely, I’m taking a hard look at it, and the outpouring of support has been tremendous.”
Hochul’s office did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.
Stefanik, a sixth-term congresswoman representing New York’s 21st district, became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress in 2014 and currently holds the role of House Republican leadership chairwoman, according to her bio.
President Donald Trump had previously nominated Stefanik to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, but her nomination was ultimately withdrawn in March to maintain the Republicans’ majority in the House. Trump recently nominated his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, for the ambassador role.
“I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump stated on social media on March 27. “With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat.”
Stefanik told Fox News in March that she bowed out of the Senate confirmation process for the U.N. ambassador role because of the GOP’s slim margin in the House and “corruption” in New York.
Hochul, who was elected as governor in 2021 and became the first woman to hold the office in New York, has previously expressed her intention to seek reelection.
Recent polling data from political analytics firm GrayHouse shows that Stefanik holds a strong lead in a GOP primary for the New York gubernatorial race, gaining 44 percent of the vote, compared to Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who are also considered potential candidates.
Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
