Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) at the U.S. Capitol on May 20. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) raised $3.2 million in the third quarter, giving her $12 million cash on hand across all of her accounts for a potential New York governor's bid.
Why it matters: Stefanik is raising — and spending — money like a candidate eager to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) in 2026.
"I am humbled by the record early support from generous grassroots donors and supporters in New York and across the country," Stefanik said in a statement first shared with Axios.
"I will continue to work tirelessly to serve the hardworking families of New York, ensure Republican victories up and down the ballot in New York, and then we will fire Kathy Hochul once and for all next year," she said.
By the numbers: Stefanik has pumped more than $500,000 into New York local races, from city council to town supervisor contests, putting her political operation in touch with over 100 campaigns across the state.
She's also building her fundraising list and has collected more than 40,000 unique donors.
The average donation to her campaign was $27, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Zoom in: Stefanik's team released a poll this week that showed her down 43%-48% against Hochul among likely voters.
But the very commissioning of a poll was yet another indication that Stefanik is preparing to enter the race. Trump helped clear a path for her earlier this year.
She's expected to make a final decision early next month, likely after New York City's Nov. 4 mayoral contest.
