Stefanik endorses Trump for president: 'I fully support him running again'



House Republican conference chair Elise Stefanik has endorsed former President Donald Trump's anticipated 2024 presidential bid ahead of Trump's official announcement expected next week.

In a statement, Stefanik, a Republican lawmaker from New York, called Trump the "leader" of the GOP, and said that she was "proud to endorse" him.

"I fully support him running again. Under his presidency, America was strong at home and abroad, our economy was red hot, our border was secure, our neighborhoods were safe, our law enforcement was respected, and our enemies feared us," Stefanik declared. "It is time for Republicans to unite around the most popular Republican in America, who has a proven track record of conservative governance."

\u201cFull text of Elise Stefanik\u2019s endorsement of Trump, which first appeared in a NYT story about GOP criticisms as part of his defense. She is the top member to endorse him so far, I believe:\u201d
— Meridith McGraw (@Meridith McGraw) 1668186675

On Monday, Trump said that he will make "a very big announcement" next week on November 15 at Mar-a-Lago.

Stefanik, who replaced GOP Rep. Liz Cheney as House Republican conference chair after Cheney was ousted from that role last year, is currently seeking to remain in the slot.

Trump has targeted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, referring to him as "Ron DeSanctimonious" and calling him "an average REPUBLICAN Governor with great Public Relations." DeSantis, a popular Republican who many view as a figure who could potentially mount a presidential run, decisively won reelection during the Sunshine State's gubernatorial contest this week. Trump said earlier this week that he voted for DeSantis.

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears said on Thursday that if Trump runs again, she will not support his candidacy.

In a post on Friday, Trump claimed that he enabled Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to win his election in 2021.

"Young Kin (now that's an interesting take. Sounds Chinese, doesn't it?) in Virginia couldn't have won without me," Trump wrote. "I Endorsed him, did a very big Trump Rally for him telephonically, got MAGA to Vote for him - or he couldn't have come close to winning. But he knows that, and admits it. Besides, having a hard time with the Dems in Virginia - But he'll get it done!"

Rep. Byron Donalds will challenge Rep. Elise Stefanik for House GOP conference chair role



Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida has announced a bid for the role of House Republican conference chair. The freshman congressman will challenge Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, who currently occupies the post and announced on Tuesday that she plans to run for the position again.

"As one of the most prominent voices of the House GOP agenda, I'm the best candidate to lead an effective communications strategy should Republicans take back the House. In the weeks and months ahead, we must focus on sending Speaker Pelosi packing by electing a wave of America First candidates. I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues for the Chairmanship of the House GOP Conference in the 118th Congress," Donalds said in a statement.

\u201chttps://t.co/BbheDKY3jf\u201d
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@Congressman Byron Donalds) 1663111348

Stefanik — who was tapped for the post last year after the House GOP ousted outspoken Trump critic Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) from the role — issued a statement on Tuesday declaring her intention to run for House GOP conference chair again.

"For the next 56 days, I'm laser-focused on working to ensure we earn a historic Republican Majority. I am proud to have unified the entire Republican Conference around our country in crisis message and shattered fundraising records as House GOP Conference Chair raising over $10M for candidates and committees this cycle. With the broad support of NY21 and my House GOP colleagues, I intend to run for Conference Chair in the next Congress," Stefanik said in a statement.

Stefanik has served as a lawmaker in the House since 2015, while Donalds entered office in 2021 — both legislators are running for reelection during the 2022 midterms.

\u201chttps://t.co/3I7iasBnLj\u201d
— Elise Stefanik (@Elise Stefanik) 1663099640

Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, who serves as House GOP vice chair, expressed his support for Stefanik's bid to remain in the House Republican conference chair role.

"Serving as Vice Chair of @HouseGOP alongside @RepStefanik has been one of the great highlights of my time in Congress. I look forward to continuing our work to retake the majority by promoting the GOP agenda, and I fully support her bid to serve another term as Conference Chair," Johnson tweeted.

\u201cServing as Vice Chair of @HouseGOP alongside @RepStefanik has been one of the great highlights of my time in Congress. I look forward to continuing our work to retake the majority by promoting the GOP agenda, and I fully support her bid to serve another term as Conference Chair.\u201d
— Rep. Mike Johnson (@Rep. Mike Johnson) 1663104423

EXCLUSIVE: House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik Details Her Efforts To Have Liz Cheney Removed From Leadership

'Out of touch'