Rep. Elise Stefanik (left) and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

By Ben Crnic From Daily Voice

New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, a leading Republican in Congress and close ally of President Donald Trump, officially announced her campaign for New York governor early Friday, Nov. 7 — almost immediately drawing a sharp response from incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul.

In a fiery announcement posted on X at 6 a.m., the 41-year-old Republican declared her candidacy and launched a scathing attack on Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, calling her “the worst governor in America.”

"Under her failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery bills," Stefanik wrote, adding in a reference to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and incorrectly referring to him as a communist: "When New Yorkers were looking for leadership from our Governor, she bent the knee to the raging Defund the Police, Tax Hiking Communist causing catastrophe for New York families." 

Stefanik said she is running to “make New York affordable and safe for all,” promising to unite “Democrats, Republicans, and Independents” to “save our state.” Her post ended with a campaign-style battle cry: “It’s time to: FIRE HOCHUL. SAVE NEW YORK.”

Hochul, who has already clashed with Stefanik in recent months over immigration and public safety, responded just nine minutes later on X, framing the race as a battle over Trump’s influence in New York. 

"Elise Stefanik is running to deliver New York for Donald Trump and raise your costs. Not on my watch," Hochul posted on X, continuing, "My message to Trump’s 'top ally; — bring it on."

Stefanik’s official launch follows weeks of speculation about her candidacy. As Daily Voice previously reported, CNN revealed on Friday, Oct. 31, that Stefanik had begun assembling a team of top Trump campaign veterans in preparation for her run. Among them are pollster Tony Fabrizio, who led Trump’s 2024 strategy; Chris Grant, a senior adviser and former head of a major pro-Trump super PAC; and Tim Sale, another Trump campaign official.  

With more than $13 million cash on hand, Stefanik enters the race with one of the strongest fundraising operations of any potential challenger to Hochul. 

The congresswoman represents New York’s 21st Congressional District, covering much of the North Country and Adirondack region, and serves as chair of the House Republican Conference, making her one of the most powerful GOP figures in Washington. 

Polls suggest the race could be close: a Manhattan Institute survey released Oct. 28 showed Stefanik narrowly leading Hochul 43 percent to 42 percent, within the margin of error — a sharp shift from an August Siena College poll that gave Hochul a 14-point lead. 

The announcement marks the official start of what’s expected to be a high-profile, polarizing, and deeply nationalized contest — one that could become a major test of Trump-era Republican strength in a traditionally blue state.