Overview
- Stefanik said she would suspend her campaign and not seek another House term, ending a bid she launched in November to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026.
- She cited avoiding an unnecessary, resource-draining Republican primary in a difficult state and said she wants to focus on her young son.
- Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's entry created a contested primary, and President Trump declined to choose between them before later praising Stefanik on Truth Social.
- New York Republican Committee chair Ed Cox endorsed Blakeman and urged party leaders to coalesce around him to take on Hochul.
- Her upstate 21st District is viewed as favorable for Republicans, and candidates including Assemblymember Robert Smullen and businessman Anthony Constantino have already moved to run for the open seat.