Stefanik 'definitely considering' run for governor, says aide

ALBANY | The past several elections, Republican candidates for governor of New York have had a slim chance of winning an election, due to Democrats' longstanding advantage in party affiliation that exceeds a 2-1 margin — which in recent years has grown even wider. But 2021 the situation has changed dramatically. Although Gov. Andrew Cuomo gained nationwide popularity during the uncertainty of the COVID lockdown last spring with his reassuring and soothing daily briefings that were embraced by the millions nationally, he's now vulnerable politically. Cuomo is facing investigations into claims of sexual harassment and lack of transparency about COVID deaths in nursing homes. Also, he's been accused of political bullying — no surprise to government officials in upstate New York. And as Cuomo continues to deny wrongdoing and asserts that he will stay in office, his political vulnerability has prompted talk about potential Republican candidates for governor in the 2022 election cycle. A leading focus of such speculation is U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, quite popular in her 21st Congressional District where the party affiliation ratio is a mirror image of what it is statewide, has surfaced in recent weeks. In the pre-Trump era, she was admired for her non-partisan approach to issues. But in the years after Donald Trump was elected, her approach changed, and she engaged in attacks against those who criticized him. In 2019, Stefanik verbally battled Trump's critics during House Intelligence Committee hearings leading to his impeachment, and she has gained "face time" on conservative talk shows. Then, she voted against acceptance of electoral votes confirming President Joe Biden's victory over Trump. This year, she has attacked Cuomo on social media, calling him the worst governor in the U.S. Despite the political posturing, she has retained her ever-strong support among the 21st District's Republican voters. Such a high profile has elevated Stefanik's status — she's now considered a leading G.O.P. candidate for the New York State's top executive position. A recent phone call by The Sun to Stefanik's Washington D.C. office inquiring whether she was eyeing a 2022 gubernatorial candidacy prompted a response of "she's definitely considering it" from a political aide, who said a formal statement on the issue would be sent by email. Soon afterwards, The Sun received a memo from Stefanik's senior aide Alex DeGrasse. The missive was less definitive about her intentions but offered more salesmanship. "Congresswoman Stefanik continues to receive encouragement from all corners of the state as she would immediately be the strongest Republican candidate in both a primary and general gubernatorial election," he wrote. "She continues to set records as the most prolific New York Republican fundraiser ever in state history, consistently earning the strongest performance at the ballot box cycle after cycle on Election Day. She appreciates the widespread encouragement and is not ruling anything out - nor will she make her decision based on others' timetables." Days later, a bevy of prominent Republicans gathered in Albany April 19 and met behind closed doors with candidates for governor, who promoted their prospects and sought to build political alliances with county G.O.P chairs. The sessions lasted most of the day. Attending were U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, of Long Island, and Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpanelli — both of whom have already announced their candidacies; and former Trump aide Andrew Guiliani, son of former New York City mayor Rudy Guiliani, who has expressed interest in running. Stefanik was scheduled to attend, but she canceled at the last minute due to a family emergency, one of her aides reported. Former Republican candidate for New York governor Rob Astorino of Westchester, as well as Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro have also expressed their interest in running, according to reports. But despite DeGrasse's pitch depicting Stefanik as the front-runner if she does decide to run, his email ended with a nod to the other potential G.O.P. candidates. "Congresswoman Stefanik believes it is a testament to the strength of the Republican Party in New York that there are many other high-quality candidates running or considering running," DeGrasse said.

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Stefanik 'definitely considering' run for governor, says aide

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