Billionaire philanthropist Miriam Adelson, majority owner of Las Vegas Sands, has publicly endorsed Rep. Elise Stefanik’s bid for New York governor during the Zionist Organization of America’s Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award Dinner. Adelson, known for her advocacy in favor of Israel, lauded Stefanik for her efforts to combat antisemitism in higher education and government, stating that she ‘has the guts to say the truth.’ The dinner, held in New York and attended by political and philanthropic leaders from the pro-Israel community, marked a significant moment in Stefanik’s campaign for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Stefanik, a prominent member of the Republican House Leadership and a longstanding ally of former President Donald Trump, launched her 2026 campaign for New York governor on Friday. She has consistently criticized Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing her of failing to address rising costs and crime in the state, and labeling Hochul the ‘worst governor in America.’ Her campaign has also focused on opposing what she views as the growing influence of progressive policies, including defunding the police and raising taxes. Adelson, who has been a major Republican donor and supporter of pro-Trump super PACs like Preserve America, has continued to bolster Stefanik’s candidacy, emphasizing her determination to make New York ‘affordable and safe.’
Stefanik’s campaign was launched amid growing tensions in New York, particularly around the city’s upcoming mayoral election, where the Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won with the support of Hochul. Stefanik has accused mamdani of being an ‘antisemite’ and a ‘communist,’ drawing strong criticism from Hochul, who has retorted by condemning Stefanik’s alignment with Trump and accusing her of ‘screwing over New Yorkers.’ The two candidates have engaged in a heated public battle, with each accusing the other of mismanagement and political bias. As the 2026 election approaches, both will be looking to solidify their support bases, with Adelson’s backing undoubtedly giving Stefanik a significant boost in the race.