New York Rep. Elise Stefanik has built out an extensive political team as she prepares to launch a 2026 campaign for New York governor in November, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Stefanik, one of President Trump's most prominent backers on Capitol Hill, is looking to become the first Republican to be elected New York governor in more than two decades. • Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is up for reelection in next year's midterms.

Zoom out: Stefanik has told associates she plans on entering the governor's race soon after the New York City mayoral election Tuesday.

Stefanik has more than $13 million in cash on hand — more than any other New York House Republican in recent history — and is hiring a slate of veteran political operatives as she seeks to be New York's first GOP governor si

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