PLATTBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – After months of speculation, Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik made it official. The North Country congresswoman, a key ally of President Trump, launched her bid for New York governor Friday morning on Fox News.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew York is the most unaffordable state in the nation, with the highest taxes, the highest energy bills, the highest utility bills. We also have a crime crisis because Kathy Hochul has brought us failed bail reform and has embraced the defund the police Democrats,\u201d Stefanik said.<\/p>\n
Some voters in the North Country said they\u2019re sad to see her leave Congress, while others believe she would be the wrong choice for the Empire State\u2019s next governor.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it is a wonderful thing. Younger generation, new ideas and I don\u2019t think everything should be for free,\u201d said Bob of Plattsburgh.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing new to the area, say in the last six months, I am excited about it because I support President Trump and this is coming from a lifelong California liberal,\u201d said Michael of Plattsburgh.<\/p>\n
Most people against Stefanik\u2019s run for governor declined to talk on camera. However, Plattburgh resident John Seiden said he believes Stefanik hasn\u2019t done much for the North Country in Congress. <\/p>\n
\u201cHer allegiance to Trump and the Trump regime has been very disappointing for the average working man in the North Country,\u201d Seiden said.<\/p>\n
While Stefanik won her last election with roughly 62% of the vote in New York\u2019s 21st District, SUNY Plattsburgh Political Science Professor Harvey Schantz said she faces a more uphill battle to win over voters across the state. Democrats have won five straight elections since Republican George Pataki served.<\/p>\n
\u201cPataki won three straight elections in \u201994, \u201998 and 2002. Since then, the Democrats have run off, I think it\u2019s five gubernatorial elections. So, people will be excited across the country because Stefanik, more than most gubernatorial candidates, is a national figure with her track record in the House,\u201d Schantz said.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Stefanik is expected to serve out the last year of her term in Congress while she campaigns for governor. But her departure leaves an open seat for New York\u2019s 21st District.<\/p>\n
Dairy farmer Blake Gendebien is the early frontrunner for the Democrats. Republican hopefuls include Assemblyman Chris Tague. Friday, Republican state Sen. Dan Stec said he has decided not to run for Stefanik\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n
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