According to WABC, Stefanik plans to run for president midterms in 2026 and challenge current Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, whom she has repeatedly criticized for pursuing liberal policies.
The family of 41-year-old Elise Stefanik on her father's side comes from Western Galicia, which was once part of Austria-Hungary. My father's ancestors came from the town of Frysztak in today's Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The Washington Post reported that, in accordance with family tradition, Stefanik celebrated Christmas Eve in Polish style.
Elise Stefanik's political career
WABC notes that news about Stefanik's candidacy emerged a few days after Zohran Mamdani's victory in the New York mayoral election. The Republican will likely try to link him to Hochul, who was one of the influential Democratic representatives supporting the Ugandan-born politician with Indian roots.
The article continues below the video
When will Elise Stefanik announce her decision?
Who is the current Governor of New York?
What are Elise Stefanik's Polish roots?
When did New York last elect a Republican governor?
President Donald Trump previously nominated Elise Stefanik to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, but withdrew that decision out of concern that her departure from Congress would weaken the Republican Party's slim advantage in the House of Representatives.
In 2012, Stefanik participated in Mitt Romney's presidential campaign. She gained notoriety for her involvement in the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. During Donald Trump's first term, she defended the president against attacks by Democrats seeking to impeach him in 2019.
Another candidate of Polish origin
New York last elected a Republican governor in 2002, when George Pataki won a third term. According to observers, Stefanik has better chances than another candidate of Polish origin, Curtis Sliwa, who unsuccessfully ran for the position of mayor of New York this year.
Observers emphasize that New York State has a more diverse electorate than New York City, considered a Democratic stronghold, especially in the northern part, where many Republican voters live.
