ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Republican U.S. Congressmember Elise Stefanik of New York announced Friday afternoon that she’s suspending her campaign for governor and will not seek re-election to her Congressional seat. The tweet announcing her decision cited her desire to focus on her family and avoid a long primary battle.
“I have thought deeply about this and 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—particularly at his tender age,” Stefanik said.
Thus ends Stefanik’s 11-year career in the House of Representatives, where she represents the 21st District covering the North Country and parts of the Capital Region. She entered the 2026 governor’s race with a bevy of Republican and conservative endorsements, and her exit leaves the Republican field open for the only other declared candidate, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Despite saying that she would have easily won the nomination, Stefanik said she’d rather not spend 2026 in an unnecessary and protracted Republican primary. The announcement didn’t include a specific date for her resignation to take effect.
Stefanik didn’t endorse another candidate for governor nor for her seat in Congress. She thanked the voters of her district for entrusting her with the job and said she is proud of the results she delivered for hardworking families over the past decade.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s campaign challenged Stefanik’s reasoning. Spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki said that she “finally acknowledged reality” that she had no shot against Hochul.
Stefanik’s withdrawal shifts the 2026 political landscape for New York, a state she called “challenging” for Republicans. After Stefanik’s announcement, Hochul’s campaign also offered smoke for Blakeman, calling him “100% MAGA,” skewering his is support of federal tariffs, and lambasting his management of Nassau County.
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