Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., has taken a major step in her potential bid for the New York governor’s mansion by launching her new political action committee, Save New York. The PAC, which will focus on supporting Republican candidates in local elections this November, is seen as a crucial step in building momentum for her anticipated 2026 gubernatorial campaign. Stefanik’s decision to establish this fundraising apparatus comes at a time when her name is increasingly being linked to a potential run against Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, a move that has drawn significant attention from both within and outside the GOP.
Stefanik, a prominent figure in the Trump-aligned faction of the Republican Party, has long been a vocal critic of Hochul’s leadership and the broader Democratic policies she represents. She has framed her potential campaign as a necessary shift from what she describes as failed single-party Democratic rule in New York. This rhetoric aligns with her broader agenda of promoting conservative governance and reducing what she sees as the overreach of the state government’s influence on local matters.
The launch of Save New York also marks a strategic move to consolidate support across the state for the Republican Party, with a particular focus on local races. By investing in local Republican candidates, Stefanik aims to build a strong foundation for her eventual gubernatorial bid. Her PAC will likely play a key role in fundraising and mobilizing resources for the state’s upcoming elections, which are seen as critical precursors to the 2026 governor’s race.
In addition to her potential gubernatorial run, Stefanik is one of two prominent House Republicans actively considering a bid for the NY governor’s seat. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., another Trump-aligned lawmaker, has also been speculated as a potential candidate, with Trump recently endorsing Lawler for re-election in his House district. This dual candidacy highlights the internal dynamics within the GOP as it seeks to challenge the Democratic stronghold in New York.
Stefanik’s political career has been defined by her close ties to former President Donald Trump and her leadership within the House Republican Party. She was one of Trump’s most trusted allies during his presidency, and her role in the Trump administration as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations was initially slated before concerns about the House GOP’s razor-thin majority forced her to step back from the nomination process. Since then, she has continued to play a leading role in shaping the party’s agenda, particularly on issues like antisemitism and free speech on college campuses.
Her potential gubernatorial run is also part of a broader shift in the New York GOP, which is seeking to reclaim power after decades of Democratic governance. With the state’s electoral politics becoming increasingly polarized, Stefanik’s move into the governor’s race represents a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. Her candidacy could have profound implications for the state’s policy direction and the balance of power in New York politics for years to come.