After Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) suddenly announced she would not only not seek reelection next year but actually leave Congress early, further dwindling the Republicans’ thin majority in the chamber, I wondered if any more Republicans would follow her out the door. And it appears that my concerns were justified.
That would be the House’s fourth-ranking GOP member, leader of the House Republican Caucus, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York. You may recall she was likely on her way out the door anyway because she was running for governor of her state, but it appears she’s dropping that bid, too:
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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.
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
JUST IN: Elise Stefanik says she will suspend her campaign for New York Governor and will not seek re-election to Congress. pic.twitter.com/asze1D5c0V
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) December 19, 2025
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also commented on the sudden retirement 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.
On a personal note, Elise is my former boss. She is a great leader, and an even better person.
We love you, @EliseStefanik!
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
President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “Elise Stefanik, a fantastic person and Congresswoman from New York State, has just announced she won’t be running for Governor. Elise is a tremendous talent, regardless of what she does. She will have GREAT success, and I am with her all the way!”
