Rep. Stefanik launches campaign to challenge Gov. Hochul in New York

Election Overview - Elise Stefonic, a Republican, is running for New York governor, challenging Democrat Kathy Hokll, focusing on affordability issues [1] - Stefonic's campaign is closely tied to Trumpism, which could be a challenge given recent election results [5][6][7] - Hokll's team is highlighting Stefonic's alignment with Trump [6] - The race is expected to be tight, with New York City differing significantly from the rest of the state [7] - New York is seen as a key political battleground, reflecting broader national trends [8][9][10] Political Landscape - Stefonic previously sought positions such as Vice President and UN Ambassador [2][3] - Hokll's lieutenant governor is challenging her in the Democratic primary [12] - Stefonic's shift from a moderate Republican to a Trump-aligned candidate is noted [13] Strategic Considerations - Hokll beat Lee Zeldon by approximately five points in the last general election [6] - New York's redistricting battles are a key feature of recent elections [11]