Elise Stefanik explains ‘team player’ decision to remain in Congress

She said, "I have been proud to be a team player. The president knows that. He and I had multiple conversations today, and we are committed to delivering results on behalf of the American people. And as always, I'm committed to delivering results on behalf of my constituents."

Stefanik added that the decision came to a "culmination" after considering a "combination" of factors. Stefanik continued that she looks forward to "sharing my voice as I always have being one of the top fighters and top allies on behalf of President Trump and behalf of the American people, and on behalf of my district."

She continued, "The reality is…Democrats, as we see in New York State, it is totally corrupt. Kathy Hochul started threatening to move the ball on the election date. You see a highly, highly politicized radical left trying to do everything they can to defeat the president. And this is about stepping up as a team. And I am doing that as a leader to ensure that we can take hold of this mandate and deliver these historic results."

She pledged to "continue speaking out. The good news is because I am not pending confirmation, the American people will be hearing a lot more from me."

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump announced that he asked Stefanik to drop out of contention for the position. He wrote on Truth Social, "As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress. We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning."

The president continued, "I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat. The people love Elise and with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day. There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations.”

"Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People. Speaker Johnson is thrilled! I look forward to the day when Elise is able to join my Administration in the future," he added.

According to CBS News, Stefanik had been under pressure to take herself out of contention despite a likely smooth Senate confirmation with bipartisan support due to the GOP’s razor-thin majority in the House.

However, Fox News reported that New York state's primary structure and the lack of Republican unity over choosing a candidate to run in Stefanik's place have led to concerns about a future special election there. Republicans are also concerned that New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul could slow-walk the election to leave Stefanik's seat open for as long as possible.