Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York will announce that she is running for governor Friday, sources told CBS News New York political reporter Marcia Kramer.

Stefanik, a frequent critic of Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul , has been hinting for several months at the possibility of running in the 2026 election.

In May, President Trump put out what one political expert described as "a loud message" that he wants to clear the Republican field for Stefanik by endorsing both Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Rep. Mike Lawler for reelection. Blakeman and Lawler have both previously expressed interest in a gubernatorial run.

Lawler later announced he intends to run for reelection in 2026. Sources say Blakeman is still considering joining the race.

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