Rep. Elise Stefanik said Friday that she is suspending her campaign for New York governor. She also said she will not seek reelection to Congress.
Reason for the Decision
In a post on X, Stefanik explained her choice. The Republican lawmaker and ally of President Donald Trump said it would not be a good use of time or resources to spend the first half of next year in a long Republican primary.
She described New York as a challenging state and said an extended primary would be unnecessary.
Crowded Republican Primary Ahead
Stefanik was expected to face Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, in a competitive Republican primary. The winner would have gone on to challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The primary was widely expected to be hard fought.
Party Response and Endorsement
New York State Republican Chairman Ed Cox said the party respects Stefanik’s decision and thanked her for her efforts.
Cox also announced his support for Blakeman. In a prepared statement, he said, “Bruce Blakeman has my endorsement and I urge our State Committee and party leaders to join me.”
Cox added that Blakeman has shown he can win in difficult political environments.
