Conservative Party chair expects Stefanik to run for NY governor next month
Party members from across New York state gathered for the meeting to focus on the future of their movement following the death of conservative youth leader Charlie Kirk last month.
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Conservative Party chair Jerry Kassar told News 12 senior reporter Tara Rosenblum that he expects Rep. Elise Stefanik to jump in the race for New York governor next month.
Kassar's comments came on Friday during the New York Conservative Party's meeting in New Rochelle.
Party members from across New York state gathered for the meeting to focus on the future of their movement following the death of conservative youth leader Charlie Kirk last month.
The meeting touched on everything from city politics to national strategy as the party gears up for the 2026 midterms. This year, the Conservative Party is running over 1.000 candidates statewide.
While the focus was on unity and building momentum ahead of next year's midterm elections, the battle for New York City's mayor came up at every table discussion.
"I take the view that if Mamdani should unfortunately be elected, that it probably benefits the GOP outside the city," said Kassar. "I'm a resident of Brooklyn. As far as I'm concerned, it's a very bad outcome."
With 2026 in focus, Kassar said their priority now is holding seven GOP House seats and possibly picking up a few more.
During a one-on-one with Rosenblum, he also dropped a hint about when Stefanik could enter the governor's race.
"I would say shortly after the election," he said.
When asked about whether Stefanik would earn the nomination of the Conservative Party, he replied, "I think the answer would be yes."
