Stefanik exits New York governor race as Trump endorsement never materialized

Representative Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., announced Friday night that she is dropping out of the race for New York governor and will not seek re-election to her seat in Congress. Stefanik entered the gubernatorial contest last month, saying she believed she could win a Republican primary against Gov. Kathy Hochul but concluded that the race would be protracted and resources would be better directed elsewhere. In a post on X she said that while she was humbled by broad support, spending the first half of next year in a prolonged Republican primary in a challenging state would not be an efficient use of time or resources.

Fox News Digital, citing a GOP source close to the situation, reported that a lack of full support from former President Donald Trump was the biggest factor in the decision. The source said Trump passed on endorsing Stefanik three times, including in an Oval Office meeting with the Miracle on Ice team last week. After Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his candidacy, the source said a contested primary became likely, making Stefanik’s path more uncertain and prompting her to shift focus back to Congress.

Trump opted to stay neutral after Blakeman entered the race, telling reporters at the White House that Elise Stefanik and Bruce Blakeman were both outstanding. Hochul’s campaign urged voters to focus on her record of lower taxes and stronger security, arguing Stefanik would face a tough race in the general election. Observers noted a likely hurdle for Hochul in the fall that analysts describe as the Mamdani effect, a dynamic that could complicate a Republican bid.

The field for the Republican nomination remains unsettled. The source said multiple Nassau County leaders are reaching out to Rep. Mike Lawler as a potential candidate, and it is premature to say the party has coalesced around Blakeman. Stefanik’s exit shifts the political dynamic in New York as Republicans regroup for a midterm contest. Stefanik herself posted on X that she is moving on and thanked supporters. The White House declined to comment beyond posting messages from the president and his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. Trump praised Stefanik on Truth Social and signaled future support, while Leavitt also posted praise of Stefanik.