Republican U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik has suspended her campaign for New York governor and announced she will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, ending a high-profile bid for statewide office.
Stefanik announced Friday that continuing her campaign would not be an effective use of her time and resources, as she balances political demands with family priorities.
Her withdrawal removes a major contender from the Republican primary for governor and clears the path for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to become the GOP nominee against incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 election.
A six-term congresswoman representing New York’s 21st District, Stefanik first gained national attention in 2014 as the youngest woman ever elected to the House and later rose to a leadership role within the Republican Conference.
In her statement, Stefanik cited the challenges of a protracted Republican primary and her desire to focus on her young son and family. Former President Donald Trump, whom she has long supported, praised her leadership and achievements after the announcement.
Her decision also means she will complete her current term in Congress but not run in the 2026 House elections, marking an unexpected shift in New York’s political landscape less than a year before key statewide races.
Stefanik’s full statement is below:
“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. I did not come to this decision lightly for our family.
I am truly humbled and grateful for the historic and overwhelming support from Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, and Democrats all across the state for our campaign to Save New York.
However, 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.
And while many know me as Congresswoman, my most important title is Mom. I believe that being a parent is life’s greatest gift and greatest responsibility. 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.
I am incredibly grateful to the people of New York’s 21st District for entrusting me to represent you in the United States Congress. Thank you to my dedicated staff over the past decade. I am proud of the significant results that we successfully delivered for the hardworking families in our district and across America. It has been a tremendous professional honor to serve as your Congresswoman over the past eleven years.
Thank you for your support and encouragement as my family and I look forward to the next meaningful personal and professional chapter.
God Bless and Merry Christmas.”
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