Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she is running for governor of New York early Friday morning, after months of hinting that she might challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 election.

Stefanik launched her campaign with a video and statement posted on social media , calling Hochul "the worst governor in America."

Part of her strategy is to tie Hochul with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has made no secret of his desire to tax the rich to pay for his campaign promises.

"Under her failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery bills. When New Yorkers were looking for leadership from our Governor, she bent the knee to the raging Defund the Poli

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