ALBANY, NEW YORK — The New York State Republican Party Convention kicked off with a high-stakes energy as leaders gathered to chart a course for the 2026 election cycle.

The keynote address, delivered with traditional firebrand rhetoric, focused on the “restoration of New York,” targeting issues of crime, high taxes, and the exodus of businesses to the South.

A notable moment during the convention was the virtual appearance of President Donald Trump on a massive screen, casting a long shadow over the proceedings. His message emphasized the importance of the New York delegation in reclaiming the national narrative.

The convention serves as a critical testing ground for the party’s new leadership, as they attempt to balance the heavy influence of the “MAGA” base with the need to appeal to moderate suburban voters who are increasingly concerned about the state’s fiscal stability.