BREAKING: Elise Stefanik suspends campaign for NY gov, will not seek re-election

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has suspended her campaign for governor in New York and has said that she will not be running for re-election in Congress. She made the unexpected announcement on Friday.

Stefanik posted to X, "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. 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. 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. I am incredibly grateful to the people of New York's 21st District for entrusting me to represent you in the United States Congress. Thank you to my dedicated staff over the past decade. I am proud of the significant results that we successfully delivered for the hardworking families in our district and across America. It has been a tremendous professional honor to serve as your Congresswoman over the past eleven years," she added.

Stefanik, who announced her campaign for governor earlier this year, has been seen as a rising star in the GOP as well as a strong ally of President Donald Trump. Her withdrawal from the race comes as she was the frontrunner in the GOP primary ahead of New York's general election for governor.

Some speculated on social media that the move may be ahead of an appointment to Trump's Cabinet. Stefanik had originally been tapped to be the UN Ambassador for the United States.  

With Stefanik dropping out, that clears a path for the other GOP candidate in the New York gubernatorial race, Bruce Blakeman. The GOP nominee in the race will face off against incumbent New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who assumed the role after the resignation of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Hochul then won re-election in 2022 against Lee Zeldin.