Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik ended her campaign for New York governor and will also leave her seat in Congress—setting up a key battle in New York in November’s midterms.
The decision was influenced in part by President Donald Trump’s refusal to endorse her candidacy, according to a GOP source familiar with the matter.
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“The biggest piece of this puzzle was Donald Trump and the fact that he passed three times on endorsing her candidacy,” the source said.
The source said Trump declined to endorse Stefanik even during a recent Oval Office meeting attended by members of the “Miracle on Ice” team.
The source said Stefanik believed Trump’s lack of support played the largest role in her decision.
According to the source, Stefanik entered the race thinking she had a strong chance to challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
That calculation changed after Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Trump ally, entered the Republican primary.
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The source said Blakeman’s entry made it clear Stefanik would face a contested primary.
The source said Trump’s neutrality, combined with the prospect of a prolonged primary, factored heavily into Stefanik’s decision.
“When you start to add these things up, it does not seem that you’re going to have the wind to your back in this cycle,” the source said.
The source said Stefanik’s decision to leave Congress was also driven by a sense that it was time to move on.
“I am truly humbled and grateful for the historic and overwhelming support from Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, and Democrats all across the state,” Stefanik said.
Stefanik has been one of Trump’s most loyal allies in Congress and defended him during both impeachment proceedings.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) appeared on Fox & Friends, where he took the opportunity to discuss significant issues affecting Americans as the country approaches the midterm elections.
Johnson expressed that he is “very confident” President Donald Trump will soon announce a peace deal with Iran.
“This will allow 60 days to get the details done, and the number-one condition has been that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Johnson said.
“We’ll take care of the nuclear dust. We’ll get the Strait of Hormuz reopened, which will be great for gas prices here and stability around the world,” he continued.
“And that’s why all the regional allies there and all the regional countries are following U.S. leadership under President Trump.”
“Let’s talk politics here,” interjected co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy.
“What does this mean for you and the midterms? Because I know this consumes your thoughts a lot,” she said.
“Yeah, it’s a big thing,” Johnson began.
“Obviously we’ve done a lot of work: The Big Beautiful Bill, the working families tax cut — all of the legislation has been geared towards the cost of living, affordability, bringing the cost of living down,” he said.
“We put in all those conditions in the economy to let it take off like a rocket, and we were doing that at the beginning of the first quarter, and then the Iran skirmish began,” said the Speaker.
“So, when this settles down, gas prices come back down to earth, that means your grocery prices come down again because of transport costs and all the rest,” he said.
“It’s going to be a big factor. The kitchen table issues are gonna decide the midterms.”
“Can those things come down in time to help you out in the midterms?” Campos-Duffy then asked.
“Yes, we got plenty of runway, we have better candidates, we have a fundraising advantage,” Johnson said.
“We’re super excited about the midterms. I’m absolutely convinced that we’re gonna grow the majority and get this done and make history,” he added.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
