ALBANY, New York – Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, an ardent ally of President Donald Trump, will launch her long-expected bid for governor Friday, four people with direct knowledge of her plans told POLITICO.

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

Rep. Elise Stefanik, a prominent Trump ally, announced her bid for New York governor on Friday. The Republican congresswoman, who has amassed more than $13 million in campaign funds, will challenge Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul in a state where Democrats typically hold the advantage,

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul retains just a five percentage-point lead against potential 2026 Republican challenger Elise Stefanik — and loses that advantage when likely voters first hear about both candidates’ records, according to a new internal poll.