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Elise Stefanik, GOP gubernatorial hopeful, brings her bid to Long Island

Published 1 month ago2 minute read

Rep. Elise Stefanik, the upstate MAGA Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump who is seriously contemplating a race for governor next year, is making the rounds on Long Island, the territory of a favorite son who also is interested in the 2026 statehouse race.

Stefanik last week was the headliner at a reelection fundraiser for CD1’s Nick LaLota at Insignia Steak & Sushi. She then swung over to Bull Smith’s Tavern for a surprise appearance at a get-out-the-vote rally for Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, who is locked in a tight GOP primary battle with Legis. Rob Trotta.

"Real leadership on display" posted Long Island Majority co-founder Kevin Smith on Facebook about Stefanik’s drive-by, while Wehrheim called it "a fantastic surprise" to have Stefanik rally the troops.

"She is just trying to introduce herself, she’s doing some local events," said one GOP operative who was there.

The upstate firebrand met with Suffolk County GOP chair Jessie Garcia, who later introduced her and LaLota at the event where tickets cost from $1,000 to $7,000 for a VIP reception.

Stefanik spoke highly of her House colleague, but spent much of her time criticizing Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, whom she had recently grilled at a House Oversight and Government Reform committee hearing contending the governor was not doing enough to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement with deportations.

Stefanik also blasted Hochul for earlier in the day escorting New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander out of an ICE field office in Manhattan after his arrest during a protest. "She took a couple of good potshots at Hochul," said a guest at the fundraiser.

The next day, June 18, Stefanik had a private meeting with Nassau County GOP chair Joseph Cairo at the local party’s headquarters in Westbury. Cairo is an ally of County Executive Bruce Blakeman who is seeking reelection this year and, like Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler, is considered a gubernatorial contender.

Asked about the Cairo meeting, a spokesman provided a terse statement, "It was an interesting conversation."

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Credit: Creators.com/Jon Russo

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