Stefanik Drops NY Governor Bid

Fellow Trump ally Blakeman, who’ll likely be the Republican standard bearer in 2026’s election, issued a statement to The Post thanking Stefanik for her service and touting the importance of party unity.

“I want to thank Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for her outstanding service to the people of New York and to all Americans. Throughout her time in public office, Congresswoman Stefanik has been a strong voice for common-sense values, national security, and economic opportunity, and her leadership has earned the respect of people across our state and our country,” Blakeman said.

“At this pivotal moment for New York, it is essential that Republicans and all New Yorkers come together in unity. I am ready to work hand-in-hand with the Congresswoman and all New Yorkers to restore accountability, affordability, and safety to state government,” he said.

New York Republican Party leadership, which had until previously shown near unanimous support for Stefanik publicly, was quick to get behind Blakeman.

“Elise Stefanik will remain a leader in our party and a powerful voice for our principles. We respect her decision and thank her for her efforts,” State GOP Chairman Ed Cox, who had previously vocally endorsed Stefanik, wrote in a statement.

“Bruce Blakeman has my endorsement and I urge our State Committee and party leaders to join me. Bruce is a fighter who has proven he knows how to win in difficult political terrain. As County Executive, he cut taxes, fought against radical leftwing social policies and made Nassau County the safest county in America,” Cox said.

New York’s Conservative Party Chairman Jerry Kassar said there’s strong support for Blakeman amongst conservatives and he plans to speak with party leaders about endorsing him moving forward.

“We are disappointed that Congresswoman Elise Stefanik won’t be running for governor this year, but we respect her decision and wish her the best in all her future endeavors. Elise is an asset to our state and nation. I have no doubt we’ll see her shine in future roles,” Kassar wrote in statement to The Post.

“Elise Stefanik, a fantastic person and Congresswoman from New York State, has just announced she won’t be running for Governor,” Trump posted to TruthSocial Friday evening.

“Elise is a tremendous talent, regardless of what she does. She will have GREAT success, and I am with her all the way!”

Hochul was quick to try and spin Stefanik’s withdrawal as a victory — while taking a hit at Blakeman.

“Elise Stefanik has finally acknowledged reality: If you run against Governor Kathy Hochul, you are going to lose,” Hochul spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki wrote in a statement.

“‘100% MAGA’ Bruce Blakeman traveled all the way to D.C. to celebrate Trump’s expensive tariffs, he ran Long Island’s safety net hospital into the ground by appointing corrupt cronies to run it, and let violent crime in Nassau County spike to its highest level in a decade,” Hochul’s camp continued.