'Run, Elise, run': Jeffries goads Stefanik to run for NY governor

Stefanik earned the nod from Trump to serve as U.N. ambassador, though he withdrew her nomination amid concerns about the slim Republican majority in the House.

By Ben Whedon

Published: June 12, 2025 1:43pm

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Thursday quipped that Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., ought to run for governor.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, R-N.Y., is up for reelection in 2026. Though she clearly won the 2022 election, Republican Lee Zeldin managed to come within single digits of claiming the governor's mansion in the deep-blue bastion. Jeffries, however, seemed to suggest that Stefanik would fare worse.

“Here’s my political advice for Elise Stefanik: Run, Elise, run,” he told reporters.

Stefanik earned the nod from Trump to serve as U.N. ambassador, though he withdrew her nomination amid concerns about the slim Republican majority in the House.

She has since emerged as a top contender for the Republican nomination for governor.