Reason Behind Stefanik’s Decision to Leave Congress, End Governor Bid

Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik ended her campaign for New York governor and will also leave her seat in Congress—setting up a key battle in New York in November’s midterms.

The decision was influenced in part by President Donald Trump’s refusal to endorse her candidacy, according to a GOP source familiar with the matter.

“The biggest piece of this puzzle was Donald Trump and the fact that he passed three times on endorsing her candidacy,” the source said.

The source said Trump declined to endorse Stefanik even during a recent Oval Office meeting attended by members of the “Miracle on Ice” team.

The source said Stefanik believed Trump’s lack of support played the largest role in her decision.

According to the source, Stefanik entered the race thinking she had a strong chance to challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.