July 21, 2025
By Quinn Alexander
One of the biggest questions right now is Representative Elise Stefanik’s political future. After President Trump withdrew her U.N. ambassador in March, there has been a lot of speculation about what she will do next.
She has hinted at taking on Governor Kathy Hochul in 2026. As for an official announcement, she says there is no timetable.
“I will have updates later in the year, but we’re very focused on making sure that we have a strong strong candidacy, strong campaigns at the local level,” says Stefanik.
The questions about a potential gubernatorial run led to an AI-generated ad on social media earlier this month from Democrat Blake Gendebien, who is running for her congressional seat. Stefanik says she is deeply offended by it.
“It’s a disgrace, and it should be condemned by Kathy Hochul and the New York state democratic party. But voters in my district know better,” says Stefanik.
Representative Stefanik also has issues with Governor Hochul when it comes to budget cuts. New York Attorney General Letitia James sued the Trump administration last month for illegally freezing nearly 7 billion in education funding. Stefanik blames Governor Hochul.
“I strongly support making sure that we’re fully funding our schools, and the state has not done that. Albany has taken away funds from my district, and that has all happened under, as I said, the failed governorship of Kathy Hochul,” said Stefanik.
Stefanik also blames New York’s decline in literacy rates on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
“I do not support DEI programming. The purpose of education is not to radicalize and do a partisan type of education. It’s about math and real science.”
Regarding the One Big Beautiful Bill, she says she disagrees with the governor’s plans for Medicaid.
“I want to strengthen and protect Medicaid for law-abiding New Yorkers. And that’s the difference of opinion with Kathy Hochul, who wants to continue putting illegals first.”
However, according to the New York Department of Health, Medicaid is not available for undocumented immigrants. It is available for immigrants here legally with proper documentation.
-Read the story in CBS 6 HERE.
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