BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Republican U.S. Representative from New York's North Country is now officially in the race to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026.

Elise Stefanik launched her campaign Friday after months of sparring with Governor Hochul on social media and through the press. 2 On Your Side went to a University at Buffalo political science professor for some insight.

The Hochul-Stefanik showdown for the Governor's Mansion in 2026 has been brewing for some time. You may recall an exchange last June during a congressional hearing on immigration issues.

Representative Stefanik said this during their Capitol Hill confrontation, "We deserve a governor who stands up for law-abiding New Yorkers, doesn't put illegals first but actually puts New Yorkers first. I appreciate ..."

Governor Hoch

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