On Friday, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) officially kicked off her campaign for the 2026 gubernatorial race, promising to “eradicate the Kathy Hochul disaster” and to make New York “safe and affordable” if she secures a win in Albany.
“The Empire State has fallen,” a voice proclaims in Stefanik’s impactful campaign launch video, which was exclusively shared with The Post.
The first part of the video, lasting around a minute, features images of Hochul alongside grim headlines highlighting New York’s high taxes, crime linked to immigrants, and the outflow of “middle-class” residents.
“It’s all a result of Kathy Hochul’s failed policies,” the voice continues, alleging that the current Democratic governor has turned New York into “the most unaffordable state in America,” burdening families with high taxes, steep rents, soaring utility costs, and record grocery bills.
Stefanik’s video also criticizes Hochul for backing New York City’s future mayor, Zoran Mamdani, and charges her with “collusion” with “defunding the police, taxing, and anti-Semitic communists.”
Titled “From the Ashes,” the announcement video asserts that New York will rise again under Stefanik’s leadership. “You can’t defeat the spirit of the Empire State. What we need are courageous leaders ready to fight,” it states. “Elise Stefanik will make New York affordable and safe.”
In the video, Stefanik is portrayed as a “working mother, lawmaker, and fighter” who recognizes the need for more support for families.
“She makes New York affordable,” the narrator insists. “Elise reduces utility and grocery bills.”
The video mentions Stefanik’s successful push to increase the cap on state and local tax deductions (SALT) to $40,000, as well as her vigorous questioning of university leaders regarding a rise in anti-Semitism on campuses in recent years.
“She combats the chaos present in our schools, boldly supports law enforcement, stands up for small businesses, and intends to keep fighting for New York families,” the narrator adds.
“With everything at stake, we need people who will deliver results, making New York affordable and safe for families and small businesses, helping us not just survive, but thrive,” the voice concludes.
The video wraps up with Stefanik vowing to “restore New York to greatness” and introducing her apparent campaign slogan: “Elise Stefanik for governor. It’s time to save New York.”
Scheduled to appear on “Fox & Friends” the same morning, she will likely elaborate on her bid against Hochul.
“We have traveled across the state, and the overwhelming sentiment from Republicans, independents, and even some Democrats is the need for a new governor to rescue our state,” Stefanik told The Post on Thursday.
Stefanik has been diligently gearing up to challenge Hochul, assembling a talented team of strategists from New York and staff from critical regions. Early opinion polls suggest a competitive race against the Democratic incumbent.
This prominent lawmaker from upstate, a close ally of President Trump, aims to become the first Republican governor of New York in two decades.
