Stefanik Sees Mamdani Mayoral Bid as Fuel for NY Governor’s Race

Republican US Representative Elise Stefanik is inching closer to running against New York Governor Kathy Hochul next year, saying the Democrat’s endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor has created an opening.

“This mayor’s race had a number of twist and turns,” Stefanik, 41, said in an interview Tuesday. “If Mamdani wins, New Yorkers are going to look for a check — a Republican governor.”

Hochul last month endorsed Mamdani, a 33-year-old assemblyman who won an astonishing victory in the June Democratic primary for mayor. Stefanik, a close ally of President Donald Trump, said Mamdani’s failure to endorse ...