Stefanik reports $12 million campaign war chest
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) has reported raising just over $3 million in the third quarter, bringing her total campaign funds to about $12 million. This strong fundraising position fuels speculation about her potential run for New York governor in 2026 against incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul, though Stefanik has not officially announced her candidacy yet, with a decision expected in November. A recent poll shows Stefanik narrowing the gap with Hochul by five points, boosting enthusiasm within her campaign.Stefanik emphasized the broad grassroots support she has received, highlighting a record cash reserve for a New York Republican during an off-election year and meaningful donations to local GOP candidates. Her campaign asserts she could out-raise and outwork Hochul if she runs. Hochul last reported $17.5 million cash on hand but declined to comment on Stefanik’s fundraising. Hochul must first contend with a primary challenge from Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado before facing any general election opponent.
Stefanik reports $12 million campaign war chest as momentum builds for governor run
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) brought in just over $3 million last quarter, filling her campaign coffers to about $12 million.
Stefanik’s team shared the third-quarter numbers with the Washington Examiner after Axios reported the news.
The New York Republican has positioned herself to run for governor in 2026 against incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY), but she has not announced her candidacy. She has said she would make an announcement in November. A recent poll showed Stefanik 5 percentage points behind Hochul in a hypothetical matchup, generating excitement within her campaign.
“I am humbled by the record early support from generous grassroots donors and supporters in New York and across the country,” Stefanik said in a statement.
“Our movement to Save New York has never been in a stronger position to achieve victory,” she added. “I will continue to work tirelessly to serve the hardworking families of New York, ensure Republican victories up and down the ballot in New York, and then we will fire Kathy Hochul once and for all next year.”
Her campaign received an average donation of $27 from more than 40,000 unique donors. Stefanik’s team said its sitting cash represents “the highest off-year cash on hand for any New York Republican in history.”
The campaign also reported donating more than $500,000 to local New York Republicans and engaged with over 100 local campaigns.
“Elise’s momentum is just getting started and this is before any official announcement,” Stefanik senior adviser Alex DeGrasse said in a statement.
“With the most robust small dollar and high dollar donor list in New York politics that absolutely dwarfs Kathy Hochul, Elise Stefanik will have the largest war chest ever for any Republican in New York ever at the end of the off year,” he added. “If Elise chooses to run, she will not only outwork Kathy Hochul, but she will very likely outraise her.”
Hochul last released fundraising numbers in July, her campaign noted to the Washington Examiner. She showcased $17.5 million in cash on hand, with $4 million raised in the first half of 2025.
Her campaign declined to comment on Stefanik’s fundraising haul.
STEFANIK POLLS CLOSER THAN EXPECTED TO HOCHUL AHEAD OF ANTICIPATED GUBERNATORIAL RUN
Stefanik is likely to make a final decision about running after voting concludes in the New York City mayoral race on Nov. 4.
Hochul will have to fend off her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, in the Democratic primary before a possible general election face-off with Stefanik.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
