Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., has all but clinched the GOP nomination in the primary race to be New York's next governor in 2026, according to GOP chairs in the state. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
They say Stefanik’s name recognition, national fundraising network and county-level organizing have effectively closed the primary before it began, while Blakeman has failed to gain traction outside Long Island.
STEFANIK DECRIES HOCHUL AS 'WORST GOVERNOR IN AMERICA' IN FIERY 2026 CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, center, delivered remarks alongside elected officials and business leaders to oppose corporate tax increases Nov. 17, 2025. (Office of the County Executive)
"We appreciated County Executive Blakeman meeting with us during his visit Upstate, but nothing discussed at the meeting impacted our unwavering support for Elise Stefanik and her campaign to save New York," said Liz Joy, chair of the Schenectady County GOP. "Elise has consistently delivered for our Upstate communities, and we trust she’s the right person to tackle the challenges New Yorkers face."
Trish Turner, chairwoman of the Ontario County GOP and regional chair for the Finger Lakes, said Stefanik’s early organizing has impressed leaders statewide.
"It was a great honor to host Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in my home for a gathering of county Republican chairs from the Finger Lakes, Western New York, Central New York and the Southern Tier," Turner said.
"The energy and enthusiasm in the room were inspiring, and it was clear that many leaders from across our regions are excited about her candidacy for NYS governor. Congresswoman Stefanik’s vision, leadership and deep commitment to New Yorkers were evident throughout our conversations. The Upstate Chairs who attended expressed not only strong support, but also genuine enthusiasm to get involved and help drive momentum in the months ahead."
Dutchess County GOP Chairman Mike McCormack echoed that sentiment, telling Fox News Digital, "I’m with Elise, and that’s not changing. We need to focus on saving our state, and she’s the hope for New York."
KEY TRUMP ALLY JUMPS INTO NEW YORK GOVERNOR'S RACE DAYS AFTER SHOCKING MAMDANI MAYORAL VICTORY
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., leaves a House Republican Conference meeting with President Donald Trump on the budget reconciliation bill in the U.S. Capitol May 20, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
With the backing of 40 of New York’s 45 Conservative Party organizations, which control their own separate ballot line, she is positioned to secure both the GOP and Conservative nominations long before either party’s convention. Early unity around Stefanik could allow Republicans to focus resources on the general election well ahead of schedule, a rare advantage for GOP candidates in deep blue New York.
The New York Republican Party’s convention is scheduled for early next year, with the petitioning period opening soon after. If Stefanik’s level of support holds through the convention, she would secure the nomination outright, leaving any challenger to attempt the 15,000-signature petition process instead of running through the party’s formal endorsement.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
For now, pollster James Johnson calls the primary a "done deal."
"Stefanik seems to dominate the Republican vote. It's a done deal," Johnson said.
Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/exclusive-stefanik-steamrolls-top-conservative-opponent-gop-leaders-hand-commanding-edge-ny-primary