Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump who identifies as "ultra-Maga," has decided to withdraw from the race for New York governor and will not pursue another term in the House of Representatives.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Stefanik explained her decision: "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."
Stefanik was initially viewed as the leading contender for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, but her campaign faced increased complexity following the entry of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman into the race. Even if she had secured the nomination, she would have confronted a difficult general election against Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, who maintains substantial polling advantages in a state where Democratic voters significantly outnumber Republicans.
New York Republican Party Chair Ed Cox expressed support for Stefanik's choice and backed Blakeman's candidacy. In an official statement, Cox declared: "Bruce Blakeman has my endorsement and I urge our state committee and party leaders to join me. Bruce is a fighter who has proven he knows how to win in difficult political terrain."
Stefanik, who represents New York's North Country district, joins several Republican lawmakers departing from Congress, including Georgia's far-right Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is scheduled to leave office in January. Stefanik confirmed she will complete her current congressional term.
Former President Trump had previously selected Stefanik for the position of United Nations ambassador, but her nomination was suspended earlier this year amid concerns about the Republican Party's narrow majority in Congress.
In recent months, Stefanik has frequently disagreed with House Speaker Mike Johnson. During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, she described Johnson as a "political novice" and suggested he "wouldn't have the votes to be speaker" if representatives voted today. Earlier this month, she strongly criticized Johnson after a provision she advocated for was excluded from a defense authorization bill.
