Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik officially launched her campaign for New York governor Friday morning, joining The Financial Guys for a one-on-one interview to discuss the state’s affordability crisis, tax cuts, energy independence, bail reform, and support for law enforcement.
Stefanik told hosts Mike Sperrazza and Mike Lomas that one of her top priorities would be tackling New York’s high taxes, “I launched with an ad today focused on making New York affordable and safe,” Stefanik said.
“Here’s the reality: under Kathy Hochul’s leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation. We have the highest taxes, energy prices, utility costs, grocery bills, and insurance rates. It’s because of the regulations and taxes upon taxes. She’s crushed energy independence, banned fracking, and blocked pipelines. Every step of the way, people are paying higher bills.”
Stefanik also criticized the state’s energy policies and efforts to transition to all-electric power, “another catastrophic policy going into effect next year is this gas stove ban,” she said.
“It’s going to increase all these affordability challenges, make it more expensive to build new homes, and send energy costs through the roof.”
She added that natural gas is also a safety issue, referencing the deadly 2022 blizzard in Western New York, “natural gas was how some people survived,” Stefanik said.
“Eliminating it is catastrophic for families and businesses - not just in terms of affordability, but literally life or death in cold climates like the North Country and Western New York.”
In a campaign video released Friday, Stefanik cited what she called “lawlessness” in New York as another reason for the state being “in ashes.”
“The failed bail reform has driven this crime crisis, and Kathy Hochul owns that issue,” she said.
“It’s been years of failed bail reform and the defund-the-police movement that’s turned Democrats against law enforcement. In some cities, they lock up the toothpaste but release violent criminals. Something is deeply wrong.”
Hochul faces a contested Democratic primary against Lt. Gov.
Antonio Delgado. The Republican primary field remains unclear ahead of the 2026 race.
Stefanik, a Harvard graduate, was first elected to Congress in 2014 at age 30. Her national profile rose sharply after she questioned university presidents about antisemitism on their campuses, a hearing that led to two resignations and earned her praise from former President Donald Trump.