Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced she is dropping out of the race for New York governor and will not seek re-election to Congress, abruptly ending her political career amidst a looming primary challenge and citing a desire to focus on her family.
The decision comes just days after Bruce Blakeman, a fellow Donald Trump ally and two-term executive of New York’s Nassau County, announced his own bid for governor, setting up a contentious primary.
In a lengthy post on X, Stefanik stated that while she believed she could win the primary, she did not want to spend “the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted” campaign, calling it an ineffective use of time and resources.
Her primary reason, however, was personal. “I believe that being a parent is life’s greatest gift and greatest responsibility,” Stefanik wrote. “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.”
President Trump, who had not endorsed either candidate, called Stefanik “a tremendous talent” on Truth Social, adding he is “with her all the way.”
A spokesman for Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul’s campaign said Stefanik had “finally acknowledged” she would lose the general election, adding a challenge to Blakeman or any other candidate: “Bring it on.”
Stefanik, 41, a staunch Trump ally who rose to prominence during his first impeachment, has represented New York’s 21st congressional district since 2014. Her exit marks a significant shift in the state’s Republican landscape as it seeks to elect its first GOP governor since 2007.
By James Kisoo
