Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., leaves a House Republican Conference meeting. On Friday, she announced that she is dropping out of the race for governor of New York and will not seek re-election to the House. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
"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," she wrote on X.
"And while many know me as Congresswoman, my most important title is Mom," she added. "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."
KEY TRUMP ALLY JUMPS INTO NEW YORK GOVERNOR'S RACE DAYS AFTER SHOCKING MAMDANI MAYORAL VICTORY
Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (UN) nominee for President Donald Trump, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. Photographer: Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images (Getty Images)
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The 2026 race between her and Hochul was anticipated to be one of the most closely watched statewide contests in the country.
Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/stefanik-exits-ny-governor-race-not-run-reelection-us-house