US President Donald Trump’s ally and senior Republican leader Elise Stefanik has decided to withdraw from the New York governor’s race.
Speaking about her designation to resign, she told New York Magazine, “My gut tells me this is not the right political time…This is not the sort of array of things lining up, which is so difficult in New York, which is incredibly difficult in a picture-perfect year–let alone with a primary and everything else.”
“We viewed it as a waste of resources,” she said, also citing family considerations. “I have a 4-year old son, and that is a priority for our family.”
Stefanik’s political future is now unclear, as she said she is not planning to run for re-election in Congress.
Stefanik, considered a rising Make America Great Again (MAGA) leader, was initially set to leave Congress after Trump picked her in November 2024 for US ambassador to the United Nations, before her nomination was pulled by the administration in March over concerns about a narrowing Republican majority in the House.
Who is Elise Stefanik?
Elise Stefanik has served as the US Representative for New York’s 21st congressional district since January 2015, first elected at age 30, making her at the time the youngest woman ever elected to the US House of Representatives.
She earned a B.A. from Harvard University and previously worked in the White House on President George W. Bush’s Domestic Policy Council staff.
From May 2021 until January 2025, she was Chair of the House Republican Conference, a leadership role that made her one of the highest-ranking Republicans in the House. A prominent conservative voice in Congress, she had aligned closely with Trump, defending him during his first impeachment and opposing certification of the 2020 election results.
Trump issues statement after Stefanik’s resignation
Trump made a statement following her announcement applauding Stefanik, calling her “a fantastic person and Congresswoman from New York State” and describing her as “a tremendous talent.” He said she would have “great success” in whatever she chooses next and signalled his continued support, CBS News reported.
The 2026 New York gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026.