Stefanik makes surprise exit from race for governor, clearing Blakeman's path to nomination

ALBANY — GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik abruptly dropped out of the governor’s race Friday, leaving Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman a clear path to the Republican nomination.

GOP Chairman Ed Cox confirmed scuttlebutt that had been building all Friday that Stefanik — who was once the leading Republican candidate — was out. Cox, who just weeks ago predicted Stefanik would be the nominee, threw his support behind Blakeman in a bid to unseat Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

"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," Cox said. 

Stefanik subsequently issued a statement saying she is leaving Congress altogether.

"I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Governor and will not seek reelection to Congress," Stefanik, 41, said.

She maintained she could have defeated Blakeman, 70, in a primary but said: "[I]t 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."

Hochul's campaign crowed about the news — noting that this is the second leading Republican to consider a challenge but back down. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Pearl River) had considered a run but will run for reelection in the Hudson Valley instead.

In a statement, the Hochul campaign mocked some of the claims Stefanik had made earlier.

"Today, Elise Stefanik, 'top ally' of Donald Trump’s who bragged about being the 'deciding vote' for his agenda and the 'strongest candidate to defeat Kathy Hochul,' saw the writing on the wall. Just like Mike Lawler before her," the Hochul team said. "If you run against Gov. Kathy Hochul, you will lose. By a lot."

Late Friday, Blakeman issued a statement praising Stefanik and her congressional record and wishing her future success. He added: "At this pivotal moment for New York, it is essential that Republicans and all New Yorkers come together in unity."

Stunning exit

Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) had been signaling her intention to run for governor for some time — which made her withdrawal all the more stunning. She flirted with a bid in 2022 before backing out. She had her eyes on '26, relentlessly attacking Hochul on social media.

She entered this election cycle with more formal endorsements from Republican leaders than Blakeman. She’s also been a big fundraiser for her congressional campaigns.

When Blakeman jumped into the race earlier this month, Stefanik reacted with a blistering attack, calling him an electoral loser in it for his ego. She bragged about being backed by dozens of county-level Republican leaders and more or less tried to push Blakeman out.

But early Friday, chatter swirled that Stefanik wasn't long for the race, GOP leaders said, with the talk building all afternoon. Republicans openly had said a primary wouldn't be good for them and would help Hochul — but until Friday, all the pressure had been on Blakeman to quit.

"I'm not surprised one of them dropped out — just how quickly," Lawrence Levy, dean of suburban studies at Hofstra University, told Newsday. "The question is whether there was a shove — gentle or not — from President Trump. And, if so, whether there's a consolation prize in the administration for being a good listener."

In a Truth Social post Friday, Trump praised her. "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!" he posted.

Trump previously had wanted Stefanik to be his ambassador to the United Nations, but changed his mind in part because Republicans have such a narrow majority in Congress.

"Stefanik wanted and probably expected a clear path to run against Hochul," Republican strategist Susan Del Percio said. "Blakeman was not going away, so they would end up trying to out-Trump each other in the primary — leaving the winner a much weaker candidate against Hochul."

A Republican source familiar with conversations between Blakeman and the president, said Blakeman told Trump about his plans to run for governor about 10 days after his reelection as Nassau County executive last month. The source said Trump did not dissuade Blakeman from running and simply asked when he planned to announce.

Quick endorsements

After Stefanik quit the campaign, some GOP leaders wasted no time endorsing Blakeman.

"Bruce Blakeman has a strong record of delivering results," Suffolk County GOP Chairman Jesse Garcia said. "We need common-sense leadership rooted in family values, fiscal responsibility and public safety. Bruce Blakeman is that leader."

In Stefanik’s home county, Saratoga County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph Suhrada said there’s been increased talk in the last two weeks that she was thinking of dropping out — in part because she's increasingly concerned over the security and safety of her family.

"I am disappointed," Suhrada said of her decision. "I understand it." 

Newsday's Billy House and Laura Figueroa Hernandez contributed to this story.

By Yancey Roy

yancey.roy@newsday.com@yanceyroy