President Donald Trump appears to be clearing the way for Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to run for governor of New York by endorsing two of her potential rivals for the GOP nomination for reelection to their current political positions.

Trump last week endorsed Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in their reelection bids. Republicans close to the White House said that the moves seem to be aimed at taking them out of contention against Stefanik, Axios reported.

Stefanik is a strong ally of the president, who had nominated her as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations but pulled her nomination due to concern over the House Republicans’ slim controlling margin. 

Read more at Newsmax© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.