New York—Rep. Elise Stefanik’s potential run for governor just got a turbo boost with millions in pledges pouring in, all thanks to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s eyebrow-raising endorsement of progressive darling Zohran Mamdani for mayor.
Here’s the quick rundown: Hochul’s public support for Mamdani, a mayoral candidate with bold tax-the-rich proposals, has moderates and conservatives rallying behind Stefanik as a counterweight, fueling her campaign coffers ahead of an expected gubernatorial announcement after the mayoral race in November 2025, New York Post reported.
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Hochul dropped her endorsement of Mamdani via a guest essay in The New York Times, a move that caught even her top donors off guard. Many expected a nod, but not the full-throated backing she delivered. It’s as if she handed him the keys to the city before the votes are even cast.
Insiders reveal Hochul tipped off key supporters about her intent to support Mamdani, but the depth of her enthusiasm left them stunned. “I thought she’d endorse him but didn’t think she’d endorse his talking points,” grumbled an unnamed real-estate developer. If she aimed to placate the far left, she may have miscalculated the backlash from the center.
Meanwhile, Mamdani, leading Andrew Cuomo by 21 points in recent mayoral polls, hasn’t returned the favor with an endorsement for Hochul’s own race. That silence speaks volumes. Is this a power play, or just political chess?
Some see Hochul’s move as a shield against a possible primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado on the far left. But at what cost? Moderates, already wary of Mamdani’s state-level tax hikes on the wealthy, are looking elsewhere for balance.
Enter Elise Stefanik, the Republican congresswoman poised to challenge Hochul, whose campaign has seen a flood of financial support since Hochul’s announcement. Insiders report millions in pledges have rolled in for her anticipated gubernatorial bid. This isn’t just a trickle—it’s a tidal wave.
Stefanik’s Elevate PAC, previously used for her congressional runs, is now the conduit for these donations. “We have hundreds of thousands of donations coming in and millions more pledged,” boasted a source close to her team. That’s the kind of momentum that turns a long shot into a contender overnight.
Donors, including some disillusioned Democrats, believe Stefanik’s current polling—trailing Hochul 52% to 27% in a recent Siena Poll—will shift dramatically once she officially jumps into the race. They’re betting on her ability to rally a coalition tired of progressive overreach. It’s a gamble, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The backlash to Mamdani’s agenda has moderates in New York City scrambling for a counterbalance, and Stefanik is reaping the benefits. From grassroots supporters to real estate tycoons, her donor network is buzzing with excitement. Could this be the moment New York swings back toward the center?
Hochul, for her part, has gone radio silent since the endorsement, with sources noting they’ve heard nothing from her camp. Even her spokesperson declined to comment. That’s not exactly the confidence you want from a sitting governor.
Critics aren’t holding back on Hochul’s track record, either. “She flip-flopped on endorsing Mamdani … she has flip-flopped so much through her career as governor,” said Stephen Prince, CEO of TFG Asset Management. It’s a sharp jab at a leader who seems caught between political winds.
Stefanik’s team is banking on her appeal to a broad swath of New Yorkers who feel left behind by the current administration. The common belief in political circles is that she’ll announce her candidacy after the mayoral election wraps up in November 2025. Until then, the money keeps flowing.
For now, Stefanik remains a wildcard, but one with growing support across party lines. Her challenge will be to turn these pledges into votes against a governor still holding a strong lead in the polls. New York’s political landscape hasn’t been this shaken up in years, and the fight for its future is just heating up.
