(Jewish Voice News) Rep. Elise Stefanik announced Friday that she is ending her bid for New York governor and will not seek reelection to Congress, a sharp turn just weeks after launching her statewide campaign.

In a statement posted to X shortly before 4 p.m., Stefanik said she had decided to suspend her campaign after concluding that a prolonged Republican primary would be a poor use of time and donor resources. She argued that despite believing she would have decisively won the GOP primary, the process would be unnecessarily drawn out in a state as politically challenging as New York.

Stefanik said the decision came after spending time with her family during the Christmas season, adding that it was not made lightly. As NY1 reported, she emphasized that family considerations played a major role in her choice to step away not only from the governor’s race, but also from her congressional reelection bid.

The North Country congresswoman, who represents New York’s 21st Congressional District, entered the governor’s race just 42 days ago and was widely viewed as a top Republican contender. A close ally of President Donald Trump, Stefanik initially generated significant attention within GOP circles when she announced her candidacy.

However, the race shifted when Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined the contest. President Trump publicly declined to endorse either candidate, describing both as friends and saying he hoped their campaigns would not damage one another, according to NY1.

After Stefanik announced her withdrawal, Trump took to social media to praise her, calling her “a tremendous talent” and saying she would find success no matter what path she chooses.

Polling also appeared to weigh on the race. As NY1 reported, a recent Siena University poll showed Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul holding a double-digit lead over both Stefanik and Blakeman in hypothetical general election matchups, underscoring the uphill battle Republicans face statewide.

Following Stefanik’s exit, New York Republican Party Chair Ed Cox quickly moved to consolidate support behind Blakeman, announcing his endorsement later Friday. Cox praised Stefanik as a continuing leader in the party and thanked her for her efforts, NY1 reported.

Blakeman, now the lone major Republican candidate, released a brief statement on social media shortly after Stefanik’s announcement, casting himself as the sole GOP challenger to Hochul and urging supporters to donate to his campaign. He framed the race around crime, taxes, and putting New York “first.”

Hochul’s campaign responded aggressively. Spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki tied Blakeman directly to Trump, branding him “100% MAGA Bruce Blakeman” and signaling the governor’s readiness for a contentious general election fight, as NY1 reported.

With Stefanik stepping aside, the Republican field has narrowed — but the battle for New York’s governorship is far from settled.