Adelson Backs Stefanik’s Gubernatorial Bid Amid Antisemitism Concerns

EXCLUSIVE – At the recent Zionist Organization of America’s Justice Louis D. Brandeis Award Dinner held on Sunday night, billionaire philanthropist Miriam Adelson expressed her support for Rep. Elise Stefanik’s New York gubernatorial aspirations without issuing a formal endorsement. During her speech, Adelson commended Stefanik for her brave stance against antisemitism prevalent in both government and higher educational institutions.

Recognition for Combating Antisemitism

Stefanik, who serves as chairwoman of the House Republican Leadership, received the prestigious Mortimer Zuckerman Maccabee Warrior Award. This accolade highlighted her significant contributions to combating antisemitism, a pressing issue that has garnered considerable attention in recent years.

In her introduction at the gala, Adelson praised Stefanik’s courage, remarking, “When I heard you talking to the heads of the universities, I said to myself, ‘She has the guts to say the truth.’” She echoed sentiments of moral conviction popularized by her late husband, Sheldon Adelson, saying, “Sheldon used to say, ‘stand up for what you believe in even if you stand up alone,’ and you showed us and all the world courage.”

Stefanik’s Leadership and Future Goals

Adelson characterized Stefanik as an exemplary leader who staunchly defends “the Jewish people, Israel, and the Free World.” She extended her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Thank you for continuing to be what you are — a brave lady,” and voiced hopes of visiting her in the New York governor’s office post-elections next year.

Adelson, known for being the majority owner of Las Vegas Sands and a prominent Republican mega-donor, has a net worth exceeding $30 billion and has previously backed initiatives like the pro-Trump super PAC Preserve America across several electoral cycles.

Stefanik’s Campaign Launch

Stefanik officially launched her Republican campaign for New York governor on Friday, challenging incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul in the 2026 election. As a key House Republican and ardent ally of former President Donald Trump, Stefanik represents a conservative district in upstate New York and had been contemplating a gubernatorial run for several months.

In her campaign announcement, she expressed, “I’m running for governor to make New York affordable and safe. We have seen decades of single-party rule led by Democrats. And Kathy Hochul is the worst governor in America,” during her appearance on “Fox & Friends.”

Criticism of Hochul’s Leadership

Stefanik highlighted the rising costs of living in New York, asserting, “New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation, with the highest taxes, the highest energy bills, the highest utility bills. We also have a crime crisis because Kathy Hochul has brought us failed bail reform and has embraced the defund the police Democrats.” This criticism came on the heels of Hochul endorsing New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has been labeled controversial due to his socialist views.

Stefanik’s Vision for New York

In her campaign vision, Stefanik aims to unify Republicans, Democrats, and Independents against Hochul. She emphasized, “Our campaign will unify Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to fire Kathy Hochul once and for all to save New York.” She anticipates a leadership model that is responsive to the needs of the average New Yorker, contrasting it from what she described as the current administration’s failures.

With regards to the growing concerns regarding antisemitism, Stefanik stated, “People are looking for strong, commonsense leadership to be a check on this radical insanity that we’re seeing play out in New York City with Zohran Mamdani as a tax-hiking, defund the police, antisemite socialist.”

Hochul’s Response

In response to Stefanik’s announcements, Hochul took to social media to refute claims regarding her governance. “While I’m fighting like hell to lower costs for New York families, Elise Stefanik is screwing over New Yorkers and jacking up costs to please Trump. Stefanik will always put Trump first and you last,” she declared in a recent post.

Hochul further criticized Stefanik’s alignment with Trump, declaring, “Elise Stefanik is more than just Trump’s ally. She’s voted with him 100% of the time this year. She owns this shutdown. She owns the fact that 3 million New Yorkers are trying to figure out how to feed their families. That’s Sellout Stefanik.”

Conclusion

Miriam Adelson’s support for Elise Stefanik marks a significant moment as the gubernatorial race approaches. As Stefanik campaigns on a platform centered around combating rising crime and antisemitism while promoting fiscal responsibility, she faces opposition from Hochul, who points to her own efforts to support New Yorkers amidst economic challenges. Ultimately, the outcome of this race may reshape the political landscape in New York.

Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.