Just In: Elise Stefanik Makes Shock Announcement About Her Future

Friday afternoon news dumps are usually reserved for information that someone would rather fly quietly under the radar, but Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21) decided to end the week with a bang. In what is a pretty shocking announcement, Stefanik said she is not only halting her campaign to be the next governor of New York, but will also not seek reelection to her congressional seat. (Full text of her announcement can be found at the bottom of this post.)

The congresswoman, who is mother to 4-year-old Sam, shared that, after spending time with her family during "this Christmas season," she had decided to not move forward with her political career, noting she "did not come to this decision lightly."

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 also thanked her staff, saying she is "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."

Stefanik made headlines recently for locking horns with Republican Speaker of the Mike Johnson (LA-04). Stefanik claimed the speaker had blocked a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that would "require the FBI to notify Congress when opening a counterintelligence investigation into candidates for federal office." When Johnson denied being responsible for removing the provision, Stefanik responded, "Just more lies from the Speaker."

Stefanik Surges: Closes Gap on Hochul With New Independent Swing Right

Earlier in the year, Stefanik had given up her Republican leadership role in the House to become President Trump's nominee for the United Nations ambassador role. The White House later yanked her nomination when it became clear that New York's Democrat governor, Kathy Hochul, would slow-walk a special election to replace Stefanik, leaving the GOP's razor-thin House majority in serious jeopardy. Stefanik remained in Congress, but her relationship with Johnson seemed strained from then on.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who once worked for Stefanik, said of the announcement: "Elise Stefanik has been an incredible advocate for the people of her district in Upstate New York, and she will always be a true friend to President Trump."

Elise Stefanik has been an incredible advocate for the people of her district in Upstate New York, and she will always be a true friend to President Trump.

On a personal note, Elise is my former boss. She is a great leader, and an even better person.

We love you,… https://t.co/F7OElVvC2q
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) December 19, 2025

Over in the Senate, Republican Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming announced Friday afternoon that she, too, would not be seeking reelection next year.

Read Elise Stefanik's announcement:

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

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.
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

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