President Donald Trump's unexpectedly warm meeting with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has upended Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's campaign for governor. Stefanik, who has relied on Trump's support and branded Mamdani as a radical threat, now faces a dilemma after Trump publicly praised Mamdani as 'reasonable' and safe for New York. This public break undermines Stefanik's core messaging and exposes the risks of depending on Trump in a Democratic-leaning state. Political analysts note that Stefanik's loyalty to Trump has been key to her rise, but his unpredictable moves, such as this embrace of Mamdani, could destabilize her 2026 prospects. Meanwhile, Democrats and Governor Kathy Hochul stand to benefit as Stefanik's narrative is weakened, and Republicans scramble to adjust their strategy in a crucial election cycle.