Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) announced Friday that she is suspending her gubernatorial campaign and will not seek re-election to the House of Representatives next year.

The decision comes just one month after she announced she would run against incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.

“This Christmas holiday, as I spend precious time with my family, I have made the decision to suspend my campaign for Governor and will not be running for re-election to Congress,” she said on X. “This was not an easy decision and was made after careful consideration for my family.”

She continued, “I am deeply grateful and humbled by the historic and overwhelming support for our campaign to save New York from Republicans, conservatives, independents, and Democrats across the state. While we would have undoubtedly achieved an overwhelming victory in this primary, it is not the best use of our time or your precious resources to engage in a lengthy and unnecessary Republican primary in the first half of next year, especially in a competitive state like New York.”

Stefanik did not specify her plans after leaving Congress in 2027, but stated, “Many people call me a member of Congress, but the title that means the most to me is Mom. I believe that being a parent is the greatest gift and the greatest responsibility in life. I have thought deeply about this, and I know that I will deeply regret not focusing more on the safety, growth, and happiness of my young son.”

She has a son, Sam, born in 2021.

“I am sincerely grateful to the people of New York’s 21st Congressional District for electing me to represent them in the U.S. Congress,” she added. “I am proud of the significant accomplishments that we have successfully delivered for our district and for hardworking families across America. It has been my greatest honor to serve as your Congresswoman for the past 11 years.”

By Hong Seong-gu, Chief Reporter, NNP U.S. / Special Contribution to this Newspaper NNP info@newsandpost.com