Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she is suspending her campaign for New York governor and will not seek re-election to Congress, a decision that clears the way for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to assume the Republican Party banner in the race.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Blackman said: "I am the only Republican running for New York Governor against failed radical liberal Kathy Hochul."
Stefanik, 41, made the announcement in a statement released during the Christmas season, citing family considerations and strategic concerns about a prolonged Republican primary.
While she said her campaign received “historic and overwhelming support” from voters across party lines, Stefanik said in a news release continuing would not be an effective use of time or resources in a challenging political landscape like New York.
“While spending precious time with my family this Christmas season, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Governor and will not seek re-election to Congress,” Stefanik said in the release, adding that the decision was made with careful consideration for her family. She emphasized her role as a mother, saying she wanted to focus on her young son’s “safety, growth, and happiness.”
Stefanik thanked voters in New York’s 21st Congressional District for entrusting her to represent them and expressed gratitude to her staff, highlighting what she described as significant results delivered over her 11 years in office.
“It has been a tremendous professional honor to serve as your Congresswoman,” she said in the release.
Her withdrawal reshapes the Republican field and removes a potential intraparty contest, allowing Blakeman, 70, to move forward as the leading GOP contender.
Hochul , a Democrat, was quick with her response to Stefanik withdrawing from the gubernatorial race.
“Elise Stefanik has finally acknowledged reality: If you run against Governor Kathy Hochul, you are going to lose,” Hochul said in a news release. “As Donald Trump raises costs on New Yorkers and targets this state relentlessly, Governor Hochul has cut middle-class taxes, put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets, and fought this administration and won when New York has come under attack.
“The fact is, ‘100% MAGA’ Bruce Blakeman traveled all the way to D.C. to celebrate Trump’s expensive tariffs, he ran Long Island’s safety net hospital into the ground by appointing corrupt cronies to run it, and let violent crime in Nassau County spike to its highest level in a decade,” she added. “Governor Hochul’s message to him or whichever lackey Trump picks to run against her is simple: Bring it on.”
Joseph Cairo, Nassau County Republican Committee chairman thanked Stefanik for her service.
“Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has been a tireless advocate for New York and our nation," Cairo said in a prepared statement. "Her dedication to public service, strong leadership in Congress, and unwavering commitment to the values she represents have earned her the respect and admiration of neighbors across our state and the country.
"I commend Congresswoman Stefanik for her service and for the thoughtful consideration she brings to every decision," he added. "As we move ahead, I look forward to uniting with Congresswoman Stefanik, and with all New Yorkers who care deeply about the future of our state, to ensure that County Executive Bruce Blakeman is the next Governor of New York State.”
