Elise Stefanik, GOP gubernatorial hopeful, brings her bid to Long Island

Daily Point

Cheers LaLota at fundraiser and attends rally for Wehrheim in Smithtown

Rep. Elise Stefanik, the upstate MAGA Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump who is seriously contemplating a race for governor next year, is making the rounds on Long Island, the territory of a favorite son who also is interested in the 2026 statehouse race.

Stefanik last week was the headliner at a reelection fundraiser for CD1’s Nick LaLota at Insignia Steak & Sushi. She then swung over to Bull Smith’s Tavern for a surprise appearance at a get-out-the-vote rally for Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, who is locked in a tight GOP primary battle with Legis. Rob Trotta.

"Real leadership on display" posted Long Island Majority co-founder Kevin Smith on Facebook about Stefanik’s drive-by, while Wehrheim called it "a fantastic surprise" to have Stefanik rally the troops.

"She is just trying to introduce herself, she’s doing some local events," said one GOP operative who was there.

The upstate firebrand met with Suffolk County GOP chair Jessie Garcia, who later introduced her and LaLota at the event where tickets cost from $1,000 to $7,000 for a VIP reception.

Stefanik spoke highly of her House colleague, but spent much of her time criticizing Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, whom she had recently grilled at a House Oversight and Government Reform committee hearing contending the governor was not doing enough to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement with deportations.

Stefanik also blasted Hochul for earlier in the day escorting New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander out of an ICE field office in Manhattan after his arrest during a protest. "She took a couple of good potshots at Hochul," said a guest at the fundraiser.

The next day, June 18, Stefanik had a private meeting with Nassau County GOP chair Joseph Cairo at the local party’s headquarters in Westbury. Cairo is an ally of County Executive Bruce Blakeman who is seeking reelection this year and, like Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler, is considered a gubernatorial contender.

Asked about the Cairo meeting, a spokesman provided a terse statement, "It was an interesting conversation."

— Rita Ciolli rita.ciolli@newsday.com

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I-ran!

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Quick Points

Deaf ears

• Long Island Reps. Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota asked Senate Republicans to preserve some clean energy tax credits that were rolled back in the House budget bill. If their own colleagues didn’t listen to Garbarino and LaLota, why would the Senate?
• Newsday’s story about the most dangerous intersections on Long Island was filled with good statistics charting the region’s most risky crossroads. Most Long Island drivers understand that the most dangerous intersection is the one you’re about to enter.
• A new vaccine against Lyme disease is being developed for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. Cue the politics.
• The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is about to make a deal to buy a new fleet of train cars to replace the Long Island Rail Road’s ancient M3 cars, saying the new fleet will start arriving in 2030. Whenever the MTA gives you a completion date, add 2. For starters.
• Vice President JD Vance says the U.S. is not at war with Iran: "We’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program." Some would say that’s a difference without a distinction.
• Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who was seen dining at fabled East Harlem restaurant Rao’s with actor Leonardo DiCaprio, was reportedly accompanied by a five-person security detail that likely were members of the Nassau County Police Department. Was he picking up the protection tab for the house?

— Michael Dobie michael.dobie@newsday.com

As our scribe soon will be retiring, this is the last appearance of Quick Points.

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