Trump had reportedly considered nominating Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations earlier this year but ultimately kept her in Congress to preserve the GOP’s narrow House majority.
Gov. Hochul’s campaign sought to capitalize on Stefanik’s withdrawal. “Elise Stefanik has finally acknowledged reality: If you run against Governor Kathy Hochul, you are going to lose,” Hochul spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki said. He went on to attack Blakeman as “100% MAGA” and accused him of mismanaging Nassau County’s public hospital system.
