Elise Stefanik says she’s stepping away from politics to spend more time with her young son.
The longtime North Country congresswoman announced Friday she is suspending her campaign for New York governor and will not run for re-election to Congress.
In a post shared during the Christmas holiday, Stefanik said the decision came after “precious time with my family.” While she said her campaign had “historic and overwhelming support” from voters across the political spectrum, she pointed to the demands of a “protracted Republican primary” as a key reason for stepping back.
“We would have overwhelmingly won this primary,” Stefanik wrote, “but it is not an effective use of our time or your generous resources.”
The fourth-term lawmaker from New York’s 21st District called motherhood her “most important title,” saying she didn’t want to miss critical years in her son’s life.
“I believe that being a parent is life’s greatest gift and greatest responsibility,” she wrote. “I will feel profound regret if I don’t further focus on my young son’s safety, growth, and happiness.”
Stefanik, who had served in Congress for more than a decade, thanked voters and staff for their support. “It has been a tremendous professional honor to serve as your Congresswoman over the past eleven years,” she said.
She ended her message with a note of gratitude and optimism: “Thank you for your support and encouragement as my family and I look forward to the next meaningful personal and professional chapter.”
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