Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) officially launched her campaign for New York governor on Friday, positioning herself as a challenger to Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul. In a statement, Stefanik accused Hochul of leading the state into economic turmoil, calling her “the worst governor in America” and blaming her for making New York the nation’s most unaffordable state. She criticized Hochul’s policies, including what she described as excessive taxes, soaring energy costs, and rising rent and grocery prices, which she claimed have driven families to flee the state.

Stefanik framed her campaign as a unifying effort for “all” New Yorkers, asserting that Republicans, Democrats, and independents could unite to address the crisis. She highlighted Hochul’s alleged alignment with “defund the police,” tax-hiking “communists,” and other policies she claims have devastated families. “Kathy Hochul owns the catastrophe from top to bottom,” Stefanik said, emphasizing her pledge to make New York “affordable and safe again.”

The campaign comes as Stefanik becomes the first high-profile Republican to formally enter the race. She had previously considered a run for governor since April, delaying her announcement until after the 2025 elections. Her decision followed GOP Rep. Mike Lawler’s exit from the gubernatorial contest, which she attributed to pressure from former President Donald Trump. Stefanik also faced challenges earlier in her career, including the withdrawal of her nomination as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations over concerns about congressional stability.

Despite New York’s historically Democratic leanings, Stefanik expressed confidence in a Republican resurgence, citing Trump’s improved performance in the state during the 2024 elections. She accused Hochul of fostering “single-party Democrat rule” and criticized her handling of issues like taxation and public safety. Stefanik also targeted Eric Adams, New York City’s mayor, whom she labeled a “socialist,” “anti-semite,” and “pro-Hamas” figure, claiming Hochul has failed to condemn his rhetoric.

The New York Post reported that Stefanik’s campaign would prioritize economic reforms, including addressing the state’s affordability crisis. She pointed to recent Democratic discussions about raising taxes as further evidence of Hochul’s mismanagement, arguing that such policies would deepen the struggles of working families. “We have crisscrossed the state,” Stefanik said, claiming widespread support from voters across party lines for a change in leadership.