Reason Revealed Why Elise Stefanik Walked Away From Gov’s Race

Republican National Committee senior adviser Danielle Alvarez offered insight into Rep. Elise Stefanik’s decision to forgo a run for New York governor, describing the move as both a deeply personal sacrifice and a strategic choice aimed at strengthening the Republican Party’s chances in the state.

Speaking Monday on Newsmax’s National Report, Alvarez said she was initially surprised by Stefanik’s announcement, calling the upstate New York congresswoman “such a leader within the Republican Party.” But after reflecting on the realities facing working parents in national politics, Alvarez said the decision became clear.

“I, like her, am a young mom,” Alvarez explained, noting that both she and Stefanik are raising young children while serving in demanding political roles.

“Obviously we give a lot for our careers and for the roles that we play for the Republican Party to make sure to elevate our party, to elevate the president and our movement, but I have kids her kids’ age, and it’s hard to be away from home,” she said.

Alvarez emphasized that a statewide campaign would impose significant strains on family life, often requiring candidates to miss “ballet recitals, school plays, the other play dates and functions.”

Beyond the personal considerations, Alvarez highlighted the strategic wisdom of Stefanik’s decision, arguing that Republicans should avoid an internal fight and instead focus their firepower on removing Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“It’s difficult to have a bloody primary where you are going to spend millions, if not tens of millions of dollars, fighting another Republican when the focus needs to be on retiring Kathy Hochul,” Alvarez said.

She did not mince words in her assessment of the governor, calling Hochul “a disaster for New York” and accusing her administration of ushering in “the far-left crazy.”

Alvarez pointed to recent political developments in New York City, including the rise of Zohran Mamdani, as further evidence that Democrats are pushing the state sharply leftward.

She also praised Stefanik’s consistent record of putting party unity ahead of personal ambition.

“When she stepped down from the U.N. to serve in Congress because we were going to have tight majorities, whether it’s stepping aside for this governor’s race, she has always been a selfless leader of our Republican Party,” Alvarez said.

According to Alvarez, Stefanik’s leadership role as the No. 3 House Republican has helped unify the GOP conference and strengthen the party nationally.

“So I am sad that she is not running,” Alvarez said, “but I understand the decision she made.”

The topic was also examined Monday on Northern Light, where NCPR News Director David Sommerstein joined host Monica Sandreczki to discuss the implications for North Country politics.

Sandreczki noted that Stefanik had mounted an aggressive early campaign, frequently attacking Hochul and issuing multiple press releases each day. Sommerstein cited national reporting suggesting that both personal and political factors influenced her withdrawal.

Referencing reporting from New York Magazine, Sommerstein said Stefanik nearly opted out of her most recent congressional race to spend more time with her four-year-old son. He noted that Stefanik told the magazine, “my gut tells me this is not the right political time,” referring to the prospect of a primary battle against Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

Sommerstein argued that a key factor in the decision was President Donald Trump’s choice not to endorse Stefanik. He recalled an Oval Office event last week honoring the 1980 Miracle on Ice hockey team, during which President Trump addressed the New York governor’s race while Stefanik stood nearby.

“She’s got a little bit of competition with a very good Republican, but she’s a great Republican, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said at the time.

The New York Times described the moment as “a punch to the gut,” while Fox News and The Wall Street Journal characterized it as a turning point in the race. Less than a day after Stefanik exited the contest, President Trump formally endorsed Blakeman.

Sandreczki observed that Stefanik has branded herself as “Ultra-MAGA” and asked Sommerstein to explain her earlier political evolution. Sommerstein said Stefanik later pivoted toward a gubernatorial bid but was unable to secure President Trump’s endorsement or clear the field of primary challengers.

He added that a recent Siena poll showing Stefanik trailing Hochul by 19 points likely factored into her final decision to step aside.