WASHINGTON — Rep. Elise Stefanik is considering a run for New York governor in 2026, The Post has learned — with the news surfacing hours after President Trump posted a social media message praising the “GREAT!!!” upstate Republican. Stefanik, 40, would be the first Republican to lead the Empire State since George Pataki left office at the end of 2006. NBC News first reported that Stefanik was weighing a challenge to Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul, whom sources say the GOP lawmaker considers a weak potential opponent. 4 Rep. Elise Stefanik is considering a run for New York governor. AP Sources also pointed out that Stefanik has about $10 million in potential campaign cash on hand, has a relatively high approval rating among state Republican voters and outran Trump in her rural district during the 2024 election. “She is being advised and pushed to consider by allies of [Trump] and longtime friends,” one person with knowledge of the discussions told The Post. “Elise has been approached by major donors, New York GOP leadership and Trumpworld to run for governor,” a second source close to the lawmaker added. “Hochul has never been more unpopular.” A third source said Stefanik is “the most popular Republican in the state and performs far better than Trump — if anyone could win it would be her.” That source cautioned that Stefanik is “just looking” at the possibility and had no imminent deadline to decide. 4 Rep. Mike Lawler is also considering seeking the Republican nomination. CNN Other Republicans who have expressed interest in a gubernatorial bid include Hudson Valley Rep. Mike Lawler, who has for years said openly — and often in a joking tone — that he’s got his eyes set on Albany. In a nod to press reporting on her consideration, Stefanik blasted out a statement Wednesday afternoon highlighting a Marist University poll finding that 46% of New Yorkers disapprove of Hochul while just 39% approve. “This latest bombshell polling proves what every New Yorker already knows: that we must FIRE Kathy Hochul in 2026 to SAVE NEW YORK,” Stefanik’s email release said. “Her incompetence, corruption, and radical failed Far Left policies have destroyed our great state causing businesses and families to flee from crushing high taxes, out of control regulations, inept fiscal mismanagement, wide open border sanctuary city policies putting illegals first and New Yorkers last, and an out of control crime crisis due to Democrats’ failed bail reform defund the police policies.” 4 Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul says she will seek re-election. Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul “This polling shows that we can WIN & SAVE NEW YORK.” Stefanik benefits from a close relationship with Trump, who earlier this year nominated her to be his ambassador to the United Nations. Trump later pulled the nomination due to the razor-thin GOP majority in the House, and his allies have discussed ways to make it up to her in the future. Wednesday morning, shortly before reports of Stefanik’s possible run for governor surfaced, Trump wrote on social media: “Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is GREAT!!!” 4 Rep. Ritchie Torres is considering challenging the unpopular Hochul for the Democratic nomination. AP He didn’t make clear why he was sharing that opinion. Trump picked up significant support in New York in the past election, taking more than 43% of the vote against Democrat Kamala Harris, improving his performance by about 5.5% over 2020. But New York State Democratic Party spokesperson Addison Dick on Wednesday sought to tie the gubernatorial race to the president. “New York Republicans can’t field a serious candidate from their pathetic crew of Trump minions,” Dick said. “New Yorkers want nothing to do with the clown show of Trump loyalists who are only focused on enabling Trump’s agenda that is raising costs, gutting health care, and attacking New Yorkers’ freedoms.” Hochul, who polls show has negative approval and favorability ratings, has said she’s seeking re-election after winning an initial four-year term by 6.4% over Republican Lee Zeldin. The incumbent could be further weakened by a tough Democratic primary — with centrist Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres considering a campaign and left-wing former Rep. Jamaal Bowman expressing interest as well.