Stefanik's latest fundraising haul breaks record for NY Republicans

Rep. Elise Stefanik’s  (R-N.Y.) campaign announced Monday she raked in $4 million in the second quarter of the year, leaving her with $11 million cash on hand, breaking multiple records.

Stefanik’s cash on hand total is the largest for a New York Republican ever, according to her campaign. Additionally, the haul is the largest off-year quarter haul for a Republican in the state. 

Sources told The Hill last month that Stefanik is preparing to launch her campaign for governor, challenging incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul (D). 

Hochul’s political operation announced on Monday the governor raised more than $11.8 million during the first half of 2025.

More than $4 million of the haul will go to Hochul’s reelection campaign, and more than $7 million will go to the New York State Democratic Committee, according to a campaign aide. 

Hochul ends the period with $17.5 million cash on hand. 

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) is also considering a challenge against Hochul, while Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has also been floated as a potential candidate. 

A Siena College poll released last month showed Hochul leading Stefanik, Lawler, and Blakeman by at least 20 points, respectively. The same poll showed Hochul with a 50 percent job approval rating and 45 percent disapproval rating. However, 55 percent of New York voters polled said they wanted “someone else,” while 37 percent said they were ready to reelect Hochul.