Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who previously served as chair of the House Republican Conference, announced Friday that she is suspending her campaign to become New York’s next governor and will not seek reelection to Congress. The decision comes roughly one month after she formally launched her gubernatorial bid and follows a period of early campaigning across the state.
In a post on X, Stefanik said she was “truly humbled and grateful for the historic and overwhelming support from Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, and Democrats” statewide, but concluded that continuing was “not an effective use” of her time or supporters’ resources “to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and protracted primary.” Her statement pointed to practical considerations about the length and cost of statewide primary contests in New York, which often require extensive fundraising, travel, and organizational commitments before the general election begins.
Stefanik also cited family considerations as a central factor in her decision. She said that “being a parent is life’s greatest gift and greatest responsibility,” and added that she would “feel profound regret if” she did not focus more closely on her “young son’s safety, growth, and happiness.” The announcement highlights the personal demands placed on elected officials, particularly those considering statewide office in large and politically competitive states.
“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 wrote. “I did not come to this decision lightly for our family.”
In a longer statement, Stefanik reiterated both her appreciation for political support and her reasoning for stepping away at this stage:
“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.”
Reactions followed from current and former administration officials. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on Stefanik’s announcement in a post on X, writing, “Elise Stefanik has been an incredible advocate for the people of her district in Upstate New York, and she will always be a true friend to President Trump.” Leavitt added, “On a personal note, Elise is my former boss. She is a great leader, and an even better person. We love you, @EliseStefanik!”
President Donald Trump also responded publicly. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, “Elise Stefanik, a fantastic person and Congresswoman from New York State, has just announced she won’t be running for Governor.” He added, “Elise is a tremendous talent, regardless of what she does. She will have GREAT success, and I am with her all the way!”
Stefanik’s departure from both the gubernatorial race and Congress introduces uncertainty into New York’s upcoming political landscape, particularly in Upstate districts where she has been a prominent federal representative. Her announcement underscores how electoral strategy, campaign resources, and personal responsibilities often intersect in decisions about higher office, especially in states with long, expensive election cycles.
