Representative Elise Stefanik (R., N.Y.) is considering running for governor of New York in 2026, a person familiar with her thinking confirms to National Review.

The news comes as Stefanik continues to consider the next steps in her political career after President Donald Trump asked her last month to bow out of serving as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations given this year’s slim House majority.

The administration’s decision to withdraw the congresswoman’s nomination came as a surprise to many Republicans in Washington who view her as a strong pro-Israel voice in Congress and a perfect fit for the position.

Winning statewide as a Republican is no simple task in deep-blue New York, where Republicans have had luck in recent years in House races amid constituent concerns with public safety and illegal immigration. But after Lee Zeldin’s strong, though ultimately unsuccessful, performance in New York’s 2022 gubernatorial contest, Republicans see opportunity in Empire State’s unpopular Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. Hochul is expected to get a primary challenge in 2026 from Representative Ritchie Torres, a pro-Israel House Democrat who has spent months teasing a likely run.

On the GOP side of the aisle, Republicans expect swing-district Representative Mike Lawler (R., N.Y.) to throw his hat in the ring. But his thinking could change if Stefanik jumps the race.

Allies of the congresswoman say Stefanik would have an easier time winning Trump’s endorsement, and that the millions in campaign cash she already has on hand could help her clear the primary field.