Trump Ally Elise Stefanik Withdraws from New York Governor Race
Influential Republican leader and close ally of former President Donald Trump Elise Stefanik has announced her sudden exit from politics In a statement on Friday the 41 year old leader said she is stepping down not only from the New York governor race but also from active politics to spend more time with her family
Stefanik had declared her candidacy last November to challenge current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul However within the Republican Party Bruce Blakeman the Nassau County executive and also known as a Trump ally emerged as her primary competitor
Analysts note that Blakeman recently began running campaign ads in Florida near Trumps Mar a Lago residence on Fox News putting pressure on Stefanik Trump himself was reportedly somewhat uncomfortable with the contest between his two close allies Stefanik stated in her announcement that a prolonged unnecessary primary election and the expenditure of resources would not be reasonable
Stefanik cited her personal life and motherhood as primary reasons for leaving politics On the social media platform X she wrote that during her long tenure in Congress the title she valued most was mother I have thought deeply and realized that if I do not focus on the safety upbringing and happiness of my young son at this moment I will regret it in the future
Trump welcomed Stefaniks decision writing on Truth Social that Elise is an extraordinary talent Whatever she does she will succeed and I will always be with her
Stefanik made history in 2014 when she was elected to the US House of Representatives at age 30 as the youngest woman ever In the House she served as chair of the Republican Conference holding the fourth highest ranking position in the party In January 2025 Trump nominated her as US ambassador to the United Nations but her nomination was later withdrawn amid concerns over the Republican majority in the House
After 2016 she became a staunch supporter of Trump She gained national attention for her firm positions against pro Palestinian movements at institutions including Columbia University
Her current term will end in January 2027 marking the conclusion of a 12 year Capitol Hill career Stefaniks exit is seen as a major setback for the Republican camp in New York especially as the state was gradually leaning towards Trump
