U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik announced the suspension of her campaign for New York governor and will not seek re-election to Congress, following Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's recent Republican primary challenge. She emphasized avoiding a costly primary and focusing on her family amid the competitive 2026 race against Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), facing an unexpected primary challenge from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in the 2026 Republican contest for New York governor, announced on X during the Christmas season that she is suspending her bid to unseat Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. She also stated she would not run for re-election to her House seat in New York's 21st Congressional District, which ends in 2027.
Stefanik cited Blakeman's sudden entry—defying a warning from President Trump, who had endorsed her—as prompting the decision. "[W]hile 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," she wrote.
A Harvard graduate and once-rising GOP star speculated as a potential Trump running mate in 2024, Stefanik stressed her role as a mother. "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," she said. "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."
The year has been challenging for Stefanik, who stepped down from House leadership and an Intelligence Committee seat for a U.N. ambassador offer from Trump that was later withdrawn over House majority concerns.
She thanked her constituents: "I am incredibly grateful to the people of New York’s 21st District for entrusting me to represent you in the United States Congress... It has been a tremendous professional honor to serve as your Congresswoman over the past eleven years."
