President Donald Trump has withdrawn Representative Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, from consideration for the position of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, choosing instead to keep her in the House of Representatives, according to multiple reports. The move highlights growing concern within Republican leadership about protecting their narrow 218-213 majority, particularly as pivotal legislative battles and upcoming elections loom.
The announcement came just days before special elections in Florida and a high-stakes Wisconsin Supreme Court race, both viewed as early barometers of public response to Trump’s second-term agenda. Trump acknowledged the political calculus behind the decision, telling reporters, “We don’t want to take any chances. It’s basic politics. Politics 101,” noted The Wall Street Journal.
Stefanik, a prominent GOP figure and one of Trump’s most loyal allies, had been preparing to accept the ambassador role within days. However, faced with growing signs of electoral volatility, Trump reversed course after consultations with House Speaker Mike Johnson, concluding that Stefanik’s leadership was too critical to lose on Capitol Hill.
The decision follows a surprise Democratic win in a Pennsylvania state Senate race and fresh polling that suggests several Republican-held districts in Florida may now be competitive. One race drawing particular attention is to replace former Rep. Mike Waltz, who vacated his seat to become Trump’s national security adviser. Waltz is currently under scrutiny for leaked communications regarding military operations in Yemen.
Republican internal polling indicates their candidate in that race, Randy Fine, is trailing his Democratic opponent — a significant shift in a district Trump once carried by a wide margin. Democrats have seized on this as a sign of deeper GOP vulnerability.
Opposition leaders have also argued that the decision to keep Stefanik in Congress reflects anxiety over the reception of Trump’s early second-term policies, which include tax cuts and proposed federal spending reductions. While Trump continues to promote economic growth, consumer sentiment remains mixed, and he has not ruled out the potential for a recession.
Stefanik framed her withdrawal as a strategic decision to support the party and being a team player. In an appearance on Fox News, she noted the uncertain timeline for New York’s special election and the absence of a clear GOP successor, warning that an open seat could be vulnerable to Democratic gains.
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Supreme Court race has gained national attention, becoming the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history. Trump allies — including Elon Musk, who leads the administration’s government efficiency efforts — are pushing hard to boost turnout for the conservative candidate.
The GOP’s already-slim House majority continues to face challenges, with complications ranging from health issues to parental leaves. Representative Kat Cammack, a Republican from Florida, recently announced she is expecting a child, further tightening the margin. With every vote crucial, Stefanik’s presence in the House may prove decisive as Trump pushes to advance his legislative goals in an increasingly divided Congress.
[Read More: Trump Makes Major Federal Cuts]
