2026 New York Governor Race

Kathy Hochul became New York's first female Governor in August 2021. She narrowly won re-election in 2022 and has focused on housing affordability, public safety, and the MTA overhaul. Her controversial congestion pricing pause drew criticism from progressives but aimed to address middle-class concerns.

Larry Sharpe is a Marine veteran, business trainer, and Libertarian Party star who received 1.7% of the vote in the 2018 New York Governor's race — enough to secure the Libertarian Party ballot access in New York. A charismatic speaker, he is one of the most prominent Libertarians in the eastern US.

Mike Lawler has represented New York's 17th congressional district since 2023, one of the few Republicans to flip a blue district in the New York suburbs. A Rockland County native, he has focused on property taxes, public safety, and opposing far-left policies. He is considered the frontrunner for the Republican gubernatorial nomination after declining a Senate run.