Elise Stefanik Eyes Gubernatorial Run Amidst Party Tension

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of New York is weighing her options after relinquishing her nomination for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. With intraparty tensions brewing, she faces two main paths: remaining in Congress or launching a run for Governor of New York.

Following a tense political landscape, Stefanik is subtly gaining traction for a gubernatorial bid, potentially conflicting with fellow Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, who is also looking to run. While former President Donald Trump has not publicly chosen a side, he endorsed Lawler’s campaign, stating, “HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Stefanik has acknowledged encouragement from Trump allies to consider her gubernatorial aspirations.

Stefanik is expected to meet with Trump later this month. Additionally, she has reportedly mended relations with House Speaker Mike Johnson, a critical step for her political future, whether in Albany or Washington. Sources indicate that she is aiming to reclaim her former seat on the House Intelligence Committee, which she had given up.

As they vie for the governor’s office, both Stefanik and Lawler may face a contentious primary. Representative Nicole Malliotakis expressed hope that the choice of candidate would resolve itself naturally without the need for a divisive primary. Polls suggest Stefanik leads significantly in a Republican primary, trailing Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul by a narrow margin.

Stefanik plans to travel across New York, focusing on GOP-leaning areas deemed vital for her gubernatorial campaign. “We are in the best polling position in the primary by an overwhelming margin,” she stated.

Yet, dissent exists within the party over a potential primary contest. Nick Langworthy, former state GOP chair, voiced concern over the need for unity heading into a general election. The state’s GOP is expected to determine the fate of both candidates in a February vote.

While Lawler maintains that external opinions won’t sway his decision, he acknowledged the challenge of running against a favored incumbent. Meanwhile, Stefanik’s ongoing calculations may shift as public sentiment and party dynamics evolve.

No formal decision has been made by Stefanik regarding her gubernatorial intentions, but her advisers are optimistic given her strong polling performance and potential support.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries regarding the uncertain future of the Intelligence Committee composition, highlighting ongoing negotiations within the party.