FILE - Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-NY., speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Feb. 22, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

Elise Stefanik sent shock waves through New York state on Friday afternoon, suspending her campaign for governor just over a month after it began.

In a news release Friday afternoon, Stefanik, a Republican, made this statement: “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.

“I am truly humbled and grateful for the historic and overwhelming support from Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, and Democrats all across the state for our campaign to Save New York.

“However, as we have seen in past elections, while we would have overwhelmingly won this primary, it 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.

“And while many know me as Congresswoman, my most important title is Mom. 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. …

“Thank you for your support and encouragement as my family and I look forward to the next meaningful personal and professional chapter.

Shortly after November’s election, Stefanik announced her run. Since then Bruce Blakeman announced his candidacy as the Republican candidate. He currently serves as Nassau County executive.

Stefanik was seen as a formidable challenge to incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul and consistently referred to her as the “worst governor in America.”

With Stefanik out, it appears Blakeman is the Republican party’s best chance to unseat Hochul in the 2026 election.

State Sen. George Borrello wished Stefanik the best for the future before offering concern about New York’s future. “What remains unchanged, however, are the growing and undeniable failures of the Hochul administration,” he said. “From out of control taxes and soaring utility costs as a result of her reckless climate mandates, to the erosion of public safety and common sense under far-left appeasement, New Yorkers are fed up.

“Against this backdrop, I remain confident that voters are hungry for strong, principled leadership, the kind only a Republican governor can deliver. The fact that our party has attracted two nationally recognized leaders to explore a run for Governor is a clear sign: this race is winnable, and momentum is on our side.”