Rep. Elise Stefanik, a member of House Republican leadership and onetime nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, is considering a run for New York governor, according to a person close to her.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is threatening to upend the New York governor’s race as she considers a challenge to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) next year. Stefanik has not confirmed that she’s running yet, but the possibility of her jumping in is already unsettling the GOP primary in the Empire State,

New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik could be exploring a bid for governor. Stefanik, who represents New York's 21st congressional district, could be a major curveball for current Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 midterm elections as her term expires next year.