Stefanik officially starts campaign to rescue New York from the ‘Worst Governor in America’

Elise Stefanik Announces Candidacy for Governor of New York

On Friday, Elise Stefanik, a Republican representative from New York, declared her intention to run for governor, challenging the current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

Stefanik criticized Hochul, labeling her “the worst governor in America” and taking aim at her support for Zoran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist candidate for mayor of New York City.

“I have a record of overturning districts previously held by Democrats,” she stated. She further emphasized that under Hochul’s leadership, New York has become exceedingly unaffordable, citing the state’s high taxes, energy costs, and prices on essentials like rent and groceries. In her social media post, she expressed, “At a time when New Yorkers needed leadership, she bowed to radical elements wanting to defund the police and raise taxes, which has caused turmoil for families.”

Stefanik promised a safer and more affordable New York under her leadership. “Democrats, Republicans, and independents will unite to save our state,” she conveyed. “Now is the moment to replace Hochul and restore New York.”

Her campaign video highlighted issues like rising crime and escalating living costs, attributing these problems to Hochul’s policy failures, and underscored the exodus of middle-class residents from the state.

Stefanik remarked on “Fox & Friends” that Hochul’s recent actions show her bending to pressure within her party. In 2022, Hochul won by a margin of 5.8 points against Republican Lee Zeldin. Notably, the last Republican governor in New York was elected back in 2002, but Stefanik appears undeterred by the long-standing Democratic dominance.

“I’ve consistently won elections, including primaries, not just among Republicans, but I’ve also garnered support from a significant number of independents and some Democrats,” she reflected. “My record shows tangible results for families, small businesses, veterans, and farmers.”

According to her campaign, she has received endorsements from 34 Republican state legislators and 12 state senators. The New York Republican Party Chairman praised her as a unifier and a leader capable of winning statewide.

In response, Hochul’s campaign labeled Stefanik a “sellout” for having supported Trump during her time in Congress. They accused her of undermining crucial public services and bringing “chaos” and “soaring costs” to New York. “While Governor Stefanik prioritizes Trump’s agenda, Governor Hochul is focused on lowering costs and championing for the residents of New York,” Hochul’s communications director remarked.