Rep. Elise Stefanik called Staten Island “Trump Country” ahead of a fiery speech to local Republicans Monday as she eyes a 2026 run against Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The upstate congresswoman bashed Hochul as an “accidental” governor in comments to the pro-Trump crowd — with some attendees decked out in MAGA hats — at the local GOP’s annual Lincoln Dinner.
“Are we ready to fire Kathy Hochul next year in the State of New York?,” she said during her 10-minute speech at the Vanderbilt catering hall in South Beach.
“We’re seeing an abysmal economic outlook,” she went on. “We have the highest tax state in the nation under single-party Democrat rule led by Kathy Hochul. We have sky-high regulations that are running small businesses out of our state.”
Stefanik said families were leaving in a mass exodus because of state policies.
Stefanik also called the new $9 congestion pricing toll approved by Hochul to enter the Manhattan business district “anti-worker” and said the governor has “prioritized illegals” — illegal border jumpers or undocumented migrants.
“That’s how out of touch Kathy Hochul is on the economy,” she said.
Stefanik told The Post “things are changing in New York.”
President Trump outperformed in Queens and the Bronx,” she said. “So whether you’re on Staten Island or in my district in the North Country — this is Trump country.”
Stefanik also said she’s launching a “Save New York” political action committee to help Republicans win elections.
Staten Island GOP chair Mike Tannousis said Stefanik received a “rock star welcome” from the party after she was introduced by popular local Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.
“Elise has the wit, the know-how and fundraising ability to run for governor,” Tannousis said.
Other sources said the island GOP would support Stefanik in a primary for governor, if she is Trump’s candidate.
Hudson Valley Rep. Michael Lawler and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman are two other Republicans eyeing a run for governor.
A representative for the state Democratic Party, responding on Hochul’s behalf, dismissed Stefanik’s criticism.
“Governor Hochul is putting money back in New Yorkers’ pockets with inflation refund checks and middle-class tax cuts while Stefanik’s economic agenda is raising costs for New Yorkers,” said Dem Party spokesman Addison Dick.
“Stefanik is another DC Republican proving her loyalty to Trump by backing a destructive trade war and cuts to health care that hurt New York families.”
