Rep. Elise Stefanik ended her bid for New York governor on Friday, saying she will not run for reelection to Congress. The decision came after a series of heated exchanges with party leadership and a looming primary against Bruce Blakeman.
The Decision
In a statement released Friday, Stefanik said she was confident in her chances against Blakeman, a Nassau County executive, but concluded that staying in the race was “not an effective use of our time.” She added that she wants to focus more on her young son and family. “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,” she wrote.
Trump’s Reaction
President Donald Trump, who has long been a supporter of Stefanik, posted on Truth Social that she is a “fantastic person and congresswoman.” He added, “Elise is a tremendous talent, regardless of what she does. She will have GREAT success, and I am with her all the way!”
Blakeman’s Response
Blakeman, who has been a key figure in the Republican primary, released a statement on Friday night thanking Stefanik for her service. “I am ready to work hand-in-hand with the Congresswoman and all New Yorkers to restore accountability, affordability, and safety to state government,” he said.
Political Context
Stefanik, a longtime ally of Trump, had been a central figure in the House Republican Conference. She rose to that position in 2021 and has been a vocal defender of Trump’s agenda. The governor’s race had been expected to be a bruising primary, with both candidates courting Trump’s support.
The president himself had avoided taking sides, telling reporters that both candidates were “great”. “He’s great, and she’s great. They’re both great people,” he said.
Hochul’s Campaign Response
Following Stefanik’s withdrawal, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s campaign spokesperson issued a statement warning that any challenger would lose. “If you run against Governor Kathy Hochul, you are going to lose,” the spokesperson said.
Stefanik’s Congressional Career
Stefanik was elected to the House in 2014 at the age of 30, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. She has been a prominent figure in the Republican Party, shifting from a moderate stance to a more conservative position as Trump’s influence grew. She has voted against certifying the 2020 election results and has been a key player in the party’s leadership.
Last year, she was nominated to serve as the president’s ambassador to the United Nations, but the nomination was withdrawn due to concerns about the party’s narrow margins in the House.
Conflict with Speaker Johnson
Stefanik’s exit followed a clash with Speaker Mike Johnson. She accused him of lying and criticized him in a series of media interviews. In a Wall Street Journal interview, she called Johnson a “political novice” and said he would not be reelected speaker if a vote were held today.
Johnson later said the two had a “great talk” and that he had called her to suggest she come to him instead of continuing the feud. “So we had some intense fellowship about that,” he said.
Despite the reconciliation, Stefanik has not fully withdrawn her criticisms. A December 2 social media post remains online in which she accused Johnson of falsely claiming he was unaware of a provision she championed that was omitted from a defense authorization bill. She called the claim “more lies from the Speaker.”
Implications for New York Politics
Stefanik’s withdrawal removes a key Republican contender from the gubernatorial field, potentially easing the path for Blakeman. It also signals a shift in the House Republican leadership, as the chair of the House Republican Conference will step down.
The move comes at a time when Gov. Hochul faces a primary challenge from her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, adding another layer of intra-party competition.
Key Takeaways
- Elise Stefanik has exited the New York governor race and will not seek reelection to Congress.
- Trump praised her as a “fantastic person and congresswoman,” while Blakeman thanked her for her service.
- Stefanik’s departure follows a conflict with Speaker Mike Johnson and a broader shift in her political trajectory.
Stefanik’s decision marks the end of a once-promising congressional tenure and reshapes the Republican field in New York, leaving voters to adjust to a new landscape as the primary season unfolds.
