Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she is running for governor of New York early Friday morning, after months of hinting that she might challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 election.

The Republican congresswoman, a Trump ally, is challenging Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in a state that usually leans left.

U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican, formally entered the gubernatorial race against New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday. Should Stefanik win the governor's seat in 2026, a rarely used gubernatorial power could allow her to oust newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat.

Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik says she will run for governor of New York next year, challenging Democrat incumbent Kathy Hochul. CBS News' Fin Gómez has more.

GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik has landed an “all-star” team of New York-bred strategists — including those who helped defeat Gov. Kathy Hochul in past races — and even Dem backers as she prepares to take on the governor,