Now Elise Stefanik is running for governor of New York to do what she has always done: put Trump first.

A recent video from Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted this narrative, featuring a clip of former President Donald Trump calling Stefanik “phenomenal” and a “friend of mine.” The video continued, stating, “Phenomenal at putting Trump ahead of you,” and argued that Stefanik cast the deciding vote for the “big, beautiful bill” signed into law in July—an action the congresswoman herself has claimed.

Stefanik officially launched her long-awaited bid for the governor’s mansion on Friday morning with a two-and-a-half-minute video titled “From the Ashes.” In it, she criticized Governor Hochul on issues such as affordability, high taxes, and illegal immigrant crime.

Since 2015, Stefanik has used her House seat as a de facto campaign bully pulpit, attacking Hochul for months. Her campaign against the New York incumbent gained momentum in the spring after Trump withdrew her nomination to serve as United Nations ambassador, citing Republicans’ narrow House margins.

Following the withdrawal of her nomination on March 27, Stefanik kept a low profile on the House floor for a period, refraining from voting until April 9. She was later named chairwoman of House Republican leadership—seen as an olive branch to keep her among the chamber’s top ranks. However, Stefanik has been notably absent from any leadership press conferences during the 37 days of the government shutdown.

Unlike typical campaign launches where candidates narrate their videos directly to voters, Stefanik did not provide the voiceover for her launch video. Similarly, Hochul’s response video did not feature her voice either, though the governor has not officially announced a re-election bid.

Hochul is currently facing challenges from both the Right and within her own party, with Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado (D-NY) mounting a primary challenge. Early October polling found Hochul leading Stefanik 48% to 43% in the predominantly blue state.

Hochul’s strategy of tying Stefanik closely to Trump could be crucial in driving voter turnout and appealing to centrist or conservative voters who may disagree with the former president’s agenda. Additionally, as an incumbent running in a midterm election cycle, Hochul holds advantages. Historically, Republicans have struggled to mobilize voters in non-presidential years, particularly since Trump’s entry into politics.

In recent developments, Democrats swept the 2025 elections held on Tuesday. Voters chose New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in a landslide to succeed outgoing Democratic Mayor Eric Adams. The party also won gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia.

Democrats are framing these victories as a sign that voters are rejecting Trump’s policies. Meanwhile, Republicans argue that these results are not indicative of the outcomes they expect in the upcoming midterm elections.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/3879327/kathy-hochul-hammers-elise-stefanik-trump-sell-out-republican-governor-bid/