WASHINGTON (TNND) -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is officially throwing her name in the ring to become the next Governor of New York.
Stefanik launched her long-anticipated Republican campaign this week, where she'll challenge current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. Stefanik told Fox & Friends Friday morning, Hochul is the "worst Governor in America."
We need common sense leadership to make New York affordable and safe again," Stefanik said.
Stefanik, who is one of President Donald Trump's closest allies and a MAGA loyalist, released a campaign ad this week, attacking Hochul. Claiming under her leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation.
Crushing families with sky high taxes, unaffordable rent, soaring energy costs and record high grocery bills," part of the ad said.
Stefanik also linked Hochul with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Saying she endorsed and then bent the knee to the Democratic socialist. Calling him a raging antisemite and pro-Hamas communist.
Why did she do that? Because she is hemorrhaging support even within her own party within Democrats," Stefanik told Fox & Friends.
In response, Hochul pushed back on social media. Writing in part, "Elise Stefanik is running to deliver New York for Donald Trump and raise your costs." The Governor also called Stefanik out while speaking with CNN on Friday, for her role in the ongoing government shutdown.
She proudly says she's Donald Trump's favorite Congressperson, voting with him 100% of the time. Which means she owns this situation." Hochul said.
Hochul's campaign team got involved as well. Releasing their own ad on social media, writing, "Meet sellout Elise Stefanik."
Now Elise Stefanik is running for Governor of New York to do what she's always done, put Trump first," part of the ad said.
As of Friday night, both Trump and Mamdani have not yet responded to Stefanik's bid. New York's gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3rd, 2026. Both Stefanik and Hochul will likely face primary challengers.