Elise Stefanik drops out of NY governor race, won't seek reelection to US House

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) on Friday announced that she is ending her bid for governor and will not seek re-election, just over a month after launching her campaign.

"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," Stefanik posted on X.

The 2026 race between her and current Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul was anticipated to be one of the most closely watched statewide contests in the country.

"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," Stefanik wrote on X. "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."

Stefanik failed to get President trump's full endorsement and was going to have to face Bruce Blakeman in the Republican primary.

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