Exclusive | Elise Stefanik vows to clean up Kathy Hochuls catastrophe as she launches New York gubernatorial campaign

Rep.Elise Stefanik (R-NY) launched her 2026 gubernatorial campaign Friday, pledging to “clean up Kathy Hochul’s catastrophe” and make New York “safe and affordable” if elected to Albany. “The Empire State has fallen,” the narrator states in Stefanik’s dramatic campaign kickoff video, obtained exclusively by The Post. Imagery of Hochul juxtaposed with bleak headlines describing New York’s high tax rates, migrant crime and the “exodus of middle-class” residents mark the first 60 seconds or so of the two-and-a-half-minute video. “Kathy Hochul’s failed policies are to blame,” the narrator continues, arguing that the Democratic incumbent has made New York “the most unaffordable state in the nation, crushing families with sky-high taxes, unaffordable rent, soaring energy costs and record-high grocery bills.” Stefanik’s video slams the governor’s support for New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, accusing her of having “cozied up” to a “defund-the-police, tax-hiking, antisemitic Communist.” The launch video, titled, “From the Ashes,” asserts that “New York will rise, like we always do,” with Stefanik in charge.   “The spirit of the Empire State cannot be broken.

All we need is a courageous leader ready for the fight,” the ad continues.“Elise Stefanik will make New York affordable and safe.” Stefanik is described as a “working mom, congresswoman and fighter,” who “knows families need more help.” “She’ll make New York affordable,” the narrator reiterates.

“Elise will reduce your energy utility and grocery bills.” The video alludes to Stefanik’s successful effort to increase the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000, and her fierce questioning of university presidents on Capitol Hill amid a spate of antisemitic incidents on college campuses in recent years.  “She fought woke insanity in our schools, stood proudly with law enforcement, championed small business...