Exclusive | Rep. Elise Stefanik tells Post shes in strongest position to defeat NY Gov. Kathy Hochul as she mulls 2026 run

Rep.Elise Stefanik believes she’s “in the strongest position to defeat” Gov.

Hochul and become the first Republican leader of New York state in nearly 20 years, as she inches closer to a 2026 challenge.In an exclusive interview with The Post, Stefanik (R-NY) confidently rattled off several “Day 1” priorities for a potential term — tax, education, crime, immigration and energy — before taking a shot at the unpopular liberal governor.“Unlike Kathy Hochul, who was defeated after one term in Congress, we have a record of winning — not just Republicans but winning independents and a fair percentage of Democrats,” she sniped.“I’m honored to have the most robust, most significant donor base of any Republican ever in the state of New York, and it is time that we work together as a team to save this state from the catastrophic policies.“If you look at the top 10 worst statistics for New York State — I have seen this decay over the course of my life,” she added, blasting the tax-and-spend policies of Albany that have driven up the cost of living and forced people out of the Empire State in droves.Stefanik, 40, plans to shore up support through dinners and speaking events in the next two months, criss-crossing the Capital District, Mohawk Valley, Erie and Suffolk counties, and New York City.She already boasts more than $10 million in federal campaign funds, which could easily be transferred for a statewide run.One well-connected Republican strategist dished to The Post that “many” people in President Trump’s orbit and key New York donors have been blowing up the phones urging her to run for governor.Republican pollster Landon Wall released a survey Monday showing her as the clear front-runner for the New York gubernatorial primary — and within striking distance of the Democratic governor should she choose to run.Forty-four percent of Empire State Republicans back her candidacy, compared with just 7% who favor Rockland County Rep.Mike La...