Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Just six weeks after announcing her campaign for governor in New York State, Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) has made the decision to pull out of the 2026 gubernatorial race. She also announced Friday she will not run for re-election for her 21st Congressional district seat in Washington.
In her public statement on social media on Friday, Stefanik says the decision did not come lightly for her or her 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," said Stefanik in her statement.
Stefanik adds her most important title is as mom going forward.
"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," she said.
Stefanik also thanks her constituents in her district for their support, as well as her dedicated staff over the last 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 11 years," Stefanik added.
"Thank you for your support and encouragement as my family and I look forward to the next meaningful personal and professional chapter. God Bless and Merry Christmas."
Stefanik originally announced her intentions to run for governor back on Nov. 7. She would have needed to first win a Republican primary against Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who announced his campaign for New York governor just 10 days ago.
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's campaign released the following statement after Stefanik's announcement on Friday:
“Elise Stefanik has finally acknowledged reality: If you run against Gov. Kathy Hochul, you are going to lose. As Donald Trump raises costs on New Yorkers and targets this state relentlessly, Gov. Hochul has cut middle-class taxes, put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets, and fought this administration and won when New York has come under attack.
“The fact is, ‘100% MAGA’ Bruce Blakeman traveled all the way to D.C. to celebrate Trump’s expensive tariffs, he ran Long Island’s safety net hospital into the ground by appointing corrupt cronies to run it, and let violent crime in Nassau County spike to its highest level in a decade. Gov. Hochul’s message to him or whichever lackey Trump picks to run against her is simple: Bring it on.”