New York GOP's midterm problem: No money, no bench -- and Trump
NEW YORK — It’s not easy being a Republican in New York. It’ll be even harder this midterm election year.
Across the deep blue state, the GOP is being outraised and outpolled in key races. The reality is familiar enough for the perpetual underdogs — they haven’t won a statewide contest in more than 20 years. But their woes are compounded now by President Donald Trump’s abysmal favorability, prodigious fundraiser Rep. Elise Stefanik exiting office and a dearth of competitive candidates.
The state GOP faithful are kicking off their nominating convention today on battleground Long Island. Nassau County is home to gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, who’s lagging Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul nearly 2 to 1 in polling. The confab is also in the district of one of the country’s most vulnerable House Democrats — Rep. Laura Gillen — against whom, puzzlingly, Republicans have yet to put up a viable challenger.
That race and several other New York swing districts will be crucial in determining control of the House and the fate of Trump’s final two years in the White House.
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/09/new-york-gop-midterm-problem-00769887
