Rep. Elise Stefanik says she is dropping out of the New York governor’s race, and will not seek reelection to Congress.

Stefanik sent a statement in a tweet just before 4 p.m. Friday announcing her decision.

“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,” she wrote.

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…

— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) December 19, 2025

Stefanik, a close ally of President Donald Trump who represents New York’s sprawling 21st Congressional District, announced she was running for governor 42 days ago. 

Since announcing her candidacy, however, Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined the race, and Trump had not publicly endorsed either candidate.

“[Stefanik is] a friend, [Blakeman is] a friend. These are two great people running. I hate to see them running against each other. I hope they’re not going to be damaging each other,” Trump recently said.

After Stefanik withdrew, Trump wrote on social media, “Elise is a tremendous talent, regardless of what she does. She will have GREAT success, and I am with her all the way!”

In the latest polling in the race, Siena University found Hochul maintained a double-digit lead over Stefanik and Blakeman in a hypothetical general election matchup. 

New York Republican Committee chair Ed Cox said in a statement on Friday that he was now endorsing Blakeman for governor. 

“Elise Stefanik will remain a leader in our party and a powerful voice for our principles. We respect her decision and thank her for her efforts,” Cox said. 

Less than an hour after Stefanil dropped out, Blakeman put out a brief statement on social media. 

“I am the only Republican running for New York Governor against failed radical liberal Kathy Hochul. Donate to my campaign to fight crime, cut taxes, put New York First, and defeat Kathy Hochul,” Blakeman said on X.

In a statement, Hochul campaign spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki tied Blakeman to Trump, calling him 100% MAGA Bruce Blakeman.

“Governor Hochul’s message to him or whichever lackey Trump picks to run against her is simple: Bring it on,” Radulovacki said.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.