Mamdani emerges as key foil as Stefanik exits New York Governor’s race

WEB DESK: New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and the city’s first Muslim mayor, has become an unexpected focal point in New York state politics following Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik’s decision to abandon her bid for governor and not seek reelection to Congress.

Stefanik announced on Friday that she was suspending her campaign for New York governor and would step away from elected office at the end of her current term. In a social media post, she cited family considerations and said the decision was not taken lightly. The move comes less than two months after she entered the 2026 gubernatorial race to challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Stefanik had sought to frame Hochul as weak on costs and antisemitism, frequently attempting to link the governor to Mamdani, whose election as mayor has drawn national attention and sharp criticism from conservatives. However, that strategy appeared to falter after President Donald Trump declined to endorse Stefanik and publicly distanced himself from attacks portraying Mamdani as an extremist.

At the same time, Stefanik faced a primary challenge from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, prompting her to argue that a prolonged Republican primary in a heavily Democratic state would be an ineffective use of time and resources. Despite her strong electoral margins in her upstate congressional district, the path to the governor’s office remained steep for any Republican contender.

Stefanik’s exit marks another sharp turn in a political career that saw her rise rapidly within House Republican leadership and transform from a Trump critic into one of his most visible allies. She was briefly nominated to serve as US ambassador to the United Nations during Trump’s second term, though that nomination was later withdrawn amid concerns over the GOP’s narrow House majority.

Trump praised Stefanik following her announcement, calling her “a tremendous talent,” while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also lauded her record. Meanwhile, New York Republican Party chair Ed Cox endorsed Blakeman, urging party unity behind a new standard-bearer.

With Stefanik stepping aside, Mamdani’s growing profile now looms even larger over the 2026 race, as Republicans recalibrate their strategy in a state where statewide victories have remained elusive for more than two decades.

Web Desk