Mike Lawler, Rockland Republicans Endorse Elise Stefanik for Governor

By FrumNews.com

Monsey — On Monday, Rockland Republicans—Congressman Mike Lawler, State Senator Bill Weber, and Rockland County Executive Ed Day—endorsed Congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Elise Stefanik for Governor, who is running to unseat Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

Last month, Rep. Stefanik launched her campaign with a post on social media, calling Hochul—a Democrat, who endorsed Zohran Mamdani against her former boss Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral race—“the worst governor in America,” a line Republicans have been calling her for months.

“Kathy Hochul’s failed leadership has made New York less affordable, less safe, and less competitive—and families across our state are paying the price,” Congressman Mike Lawler said. “Elise Stefanik is the fighter we need to turn this around. She will restore the common sense and accountability that’s been missing from Albany for decades. I’m proud to endorse Elise for Governor because she’s the leader who will get New York back on the right track.”

In July, Rep. Mike Lawler announced he wouldn’t enter the 2026 gubernatorial race. (Reports say that President Trump pushed Lawler, who represents a swing district, to stay put in the House, effectively clearing the primary field for Stefanik.)

Kathy Hochul’s failed leadership has made New York less affordable, less safe, and less competitive — and families across our state are paying the price. @EliseStefanik is the fighter we need to turn this around. She will restore the common sense and accountability that’s been… pic.twitter.com/LMInLNCBew

— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) November 24, 2025

In the 2022 gubernatorial election, GOP nominee Lee Zeldin (who is now Trump’s EPA head) ran up the numbers against Hochul, losing by just 6%. In 2024, Trump improved his vote share from 38% in 2020 to 43%. Now with Mamdani coming onto the stage—and with Hochul’s low polling numbers—Stefanik and New York Republicans are hoping the political winds will change over the next 11 months against New York Democrats.

“I’m proud to endorse Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for Governor of New York State. Like me, Congresswoman Stefanik is committed to smaller government, lower taxes, and a safer New York for our families.” Senator Bill Weber said. “Her leadership in combating Antisemitism—particularly on college campuses—has been exemplary. For these reasons, she has my full support, and I’m ready to work hard and help elect Elise Stefanik as the 58th Governor of New York State.”

“New York State is at a critical crossroads on a number of levels. Elise is the right person with the right stuff at the right time to turn this State around,” Rockland County Executive Ed Day said.

The Elise Stefanik campaign said they have secured support from 58 County GOP Chairs representing over 75% of the New York Republican Party’s weighted vote in her campaign for Governor. Earning over 50% at the convention earns you the endorsement of the NYGOP, and earning 75% means that any other candidate will be forced to petition their way on the primary ballot.

“I am deeply grateful for the strong outpouring of support from Republicans across New York who believe we deserve better than the affordability, crime, housing, and energy crises families are suffering from under Kathy Hochul’s Far Left Democrat rule,” Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said. “I extend my gratitude to my longtime friends in the fight—Congressman Mike Lawler, State Senator Bill Weber, and Rockland County Executive Ed Day—who have worked tirelessly to save New York. With the steadfast support of our growing coalition, we will win this righteous fight to Save New York and fire Kathy Hochul.”

State of the Race

Stefanik’s first rival has yet to enter the race. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is reportedly also mulling a bid for the Governor’s Mansion in Albany.

“The party must nominate the candidate with the best chance to defeat Kathy Hochul, and I have been urged by business, community, and political leaders across the state to make the run, and I am seriously considering it,” Blakeman said earlier in a statement.

Axios reported that Stefanik’s play is to tie Hochul to Mamdani. “Stefanik’s team says the strategy is aimed at winning over independents and moderate Democrats who may be alienated by Mamdani’s brand of democratic socialism.

In the mayoral race, Mamdani barely passed 50% of the vote (for reference, Mayor Adams won 66.99% of the vote in 2021). “Stefanik’s campaign argues, is an indication that in Democratic-friendly New York City — which in 2024 accounted for more than one-third of the statewide vote — there are a swath of voters who are unfavorable toward Mamdani and could turn on Hochul.”