Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul could face off in next year’s gubernatorial election.

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday dismissed Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik’s possible 2026 gubernatorial run, boldly declaring: “Bring it on.” The Democratic governor was adamant she wasn’t worried about potentially facing off against the lawmaker — a day after Stefanik (R-NY) told The Post she believes she’s in the “strongest position” to take down Hochul and become the first Republican leader of Empire State in nearly 20 years.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she’s not afraid of a potential challenge from Republican U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 2026 governor’s race, saying, “Bring it on.”