Stefanik Drops Out of Race, Won’t Run Again for Congress
By Hank Russell
U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik made a bombshell announcement on December 19 by announcing that, not only is she dropping out of the governor’s race, but that she is not seeking another term in Congress. That opens the door for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who will have the opportunity to challenge incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul.
The announcement came as a shock to her supporters, especially those citing a recent Siena University Research Institute poll that had Stefanik up overwhelmingly, 48%-17%, as previously reported by Long Island Life & Politics.
In her social media post, Stefanik said she was “humbled and grateful” for the support and that this decision was a difficult one to make.
“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,” she said.
Soon after the announcement was made, Suffolk County GOP Committee Chairman Jesse Garcia announced he is throwing his support behind Blakeman and the committee “proudly stands with” the county executive.
“Bruce Blakeman has a strong record of delivering results. He has made our communities safer, fought to keep neighborhoods affordable, and stood up for hardworking families who simply want a government that works for them — not against them,” Garcia said.
“New Yorkers are being crushed by the unbearable cost of living under Governor Kathy Hochul’s failed liberal tax-and-spend agenda,” Garcia said. “Her extreme, woke policies have drained family budgets, driven people out of our state, and weakened public safety by coddling criminals while tying the hands of law enforcement.”
Garcia said New York needs a real leader and “Bruce Blakeman is that leader. He will restore safety to our streets, bring affordability back to our economy, and put New York families first — always.”
The chairman also thanked Stefanik for “her dedicated service to New York State and to our nation,” as well as “her leadership and her continued commitment to fighting for New Yorkers. Rep. Stefanik has become a friend, and a steadfast leader in advancing important Republican and Conservative policies.”
Nassau County GOP Chairman Joseph G. Cairo, Jr. added, “Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has been a tireless advocate for New York and our nation. Her dedication to public service, strong leadership in Congress, and unwavering commitment to the values she represents have earned her the respect and admiration of neighbors across our state and the country. I commend Congresswoman Stefanik for her service and for the thoughtful consideration she brings to every decision. As we move ahead, I look forward to uniting with Congresswoman Stefanik, and with all New Yorkers who care deeply about the future of our state, to ensure that County Executive Bruce Blakeman is the next Governor of New York State.”
LILP reached out to Blakeman’s campaign for comment.
“I want to thank Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for her outstanding service to the people of New York and to all Americans,” Blakeman said in a statement. “Throughout her time in public office, Congresswoman Stefanik has been a strong voice for common-sense values, national security, and economic opportunity, and her leadership has earned the respect of people across our state and our country. I wish Congresswoman Stefanik nothing but success as she pursues her priorities and continues her service to our nation.”
Blakeman said this is “a pivotal moment in New York” and called for all Republicans and conservatives to “come together in unity,” adding, “I am ready to work hand-in-hand with the Congresswoman and all New Yorkers to restore accountability, affordability, and safety to state government.”