Chatter is rampant about who will run against Gov. Kathy Hochul should she be the Democrat nominee in November 2026.
The field of play in politics is always changing so you never know who will be in the race. If you are of a certain age, you will remember when everyone was sure Gary Hart was going to be president. The political landscape can change in a heartbeat.
The South Shore Press had a conversation with New York State Conservative Party Chair, Gerry Kassar on his thoughts who might be considering a race for the Governor’s office from the Republican/Conservative side of the race.
Kassar believes that with Hochul’s approval numbers so consistently low that “we will have a new governor as long as the opposition party, which I chair one of them, has a solid candidate for governor.”
On who might run, “I would say to you that there are three individuals that I look at as potential candidates for governor in no particular order, Rep. Mike Lawler, Rep. Elise Stefanik, and County Executive Blakeman,” said Kassar.
Both Lawler and Stefanik would have to give up their seats in the US House of Representatives if they decide to run.
Don’t rule out Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R) who made a name for himself early on in the battle to ban biological males from women’s and girl’s sports. Kassar commented that he had not had any conversations with Blakeman, but there is definitely talk about him.
Stefanik’s name is also being bandied around. After President Trump recently pulled her nomination for UN ambassador to preserve seats in the House Republican majority, Stefanik could be looking to be Governor of New York. And, if not, the race alone could give her wider name recognition and campaign legs to potentially make a run for president in 2028.
“I have spoken with her and she has not told me this is what she is seeking, but I can say to you that I very much look favorably on her. Keep putting yourself in the mix is what I should say to her,” Kassar said.
Lawler has been making appearances for some time getting to know people cross the state and many think he is seriously considering a run.
“Mike Lawler has discussed it with me and he is in the process of making some determinations,” said Kassar. “He's from almost the perfect part of the state to be running for governor and he's smart and articulate and energetic. I've known him a long time and I like him.”
Kassar feels the Republicans and Conservatives have three distinct opportunities to see how it lines up.
“Hochul should worry about a primary too,” says Kassar. “But, the Democrat Party is structured in such a way right now that they tend to acquiesce to whoever can provide the largest number of jobs.”
As an incumbent governor, Hochul can more or less use that incumbency to keep the Democrat Party at bay and fend off primary opponents for a while, but, as Kassar says, “it's not going to keep the Republican and Conservative parties at bay.”
Kassar promised, “We're going to be coming at her.”
Let the jockeying for position begin!