Elise Stefanik Drops Out Of New York Governor’s Race
Rep. Elise Stefanik, once considered a GOP rising star and a top contender to challenge Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul, has suspended her campaign for governor of New York and announced she will not seek re-election to Congress.
The stunning announcement came Friday, as Stefanik cited a desire to spend more time with her family during the holiday season and avoid what she described as a costly and unnecessary Republican primary battle.
“While spending precious time with my family this Christmas season, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Governor and will not seek re-election to Congress,” Stefanik posted on X.
The decision comes on the heels of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s surprise entry into the GOP primary. Despite a personal phone call from President Donald Trump urging him to stay out, Blakeman jumped into the race, setting the stage for an expensive intra-party fight. Stefanik, who had earned Trump’s strong endorsement earlier this year, said that wasn’t a fight worth having.
“While we would have overwhelmingly won this primary, it is not an effective use of our time or your generous resources to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New York,” she said.
Stefanik also noted the personal cost of politics, especially as a mother to a young son.
“And while many know me as Congresswoman, my most important title is Mom,” she wrote. “I believe that being a parent is life’s greatest gift and greatest responsibility. I have thought deeply about this and I know that as a mother, I will feel profound regret if I don’t further focus on my young son’s safety, growth, and happiness – particularly at his tender age.”
The decision marks a turning point in Stefanik’s political career. Once viewed as a possible vice presidential pick for President Trump in 2024, she was also on track to become U.N. Ambassador earlier this year. But Trump rescinded the offer over concerns it would trigger a special election and potentially cost Republicans their slim majority in the House.
Stefanik, 40, was first elected to represent New York’s 21st District in 2014 and quickly rose through the ranks of GOP leadership. She was a prominent defender of Trump during both impeachment efforts and played a leading role in Republican messaging on education and parental rights.
“I am incredibly grateful to the people of New York’s 21st District for entrusting me to represent you in the United States Congress,” she concluded. “It has been a tremendous professional honor to serve as your Congresswoman over the past eleven years.”