Elise Stefanik Withdraws from New York Governor Race, Will Not Seek Reelection
Rep. Elise Stefanik announced Friday that she is dropping out of the New York governor’s race and will not seek reelection to Congress. Stefanik, a close ally of former President Donald Trump and representative of New York’s 21st Congressional District, shared the decision in a tweet, citing the impracticality of a prolonged Republican primary in the state.
“As we have seen in past elections, 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,” Stefanik wrote.
Stefanik entered the governor’s race just 42 days ago, but her campaign faced competition from Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Trump had not publicly endorsed either candidate, though he expressed support for both, saying he hoped they would not harm each other politically. After Stefanik’s withdrawal, Trump praised her on social media, calling her “a tremendous talent” and pledging continued support.
Recent Siena University polls showed Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul holding a double-digit lead over both Stefanik and Blakeman in a hypothetical general election matchup. Following Stefanik’s exit, the New York Republican Committee officially endorsed Blakeman for governor.
Blakeman immediately seized the opportunity, positioning himself as the party’s sole candidate against Hochul. “I am the only Republican running for New York Governor against failed radical liberal Kathy Hochul. Donate to my campaign to fight crime, cut taxes, put New York First, and defeat Kathy Hochul,” Blakeman said in a statement.
Hochul’s campaign criticized Blakeman’s alignment with Trump, labeling him “100% MAGA Bruce Blakeman,” and signaled readiness for the upcoming contest.
Stefanik’s withdrawal marks a significant shift in the Republican gubernatorial race, leaving Blakeman as the frontrunner for the party’s nomination.
