With a weak incumbent and a potential strong challenger, New York’s GOP hopes to claim the governor’s mansion in 2026
The GOP elephant, still licking its chops after the big 2024 White House win, is surveying the political landscape for its next big prize. It could be the New York State Executive Mansion, if Republicans can find the right person. And one highly visible member of Congress is making inroads.
“The 2026 election is a unique opportunity to take New York State,” Republican operative David Catalfamo, president of Capital Public Strategies and staffer for the last Republican governor, George Pataki, tells Mishpacha. “Kathy Hochul’s approval ratings are historically low, and she is upside down among independents. There’s a clear path to victory, and the right candidate can make it happen.”
Who is the right candidate? Congressman Mike Lawler of Rockland County is openly considering a run, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is seen as a likely contender. But Trump holds the trump card: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, representative of northern New York’s 21st district and MAGA starlet.
In a Siena College poll released last Tuesday, Stefanik led theoretical Republican primary candidates with 35%, while Lawler and Blakeman had 22% and 11%, respectively.
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