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A special election is likely to be held in New York's 21st Congressional District following the nomination of incumbent Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations by President-elect Donald Trump. Stefanik, who was re-elected just a week ago, will need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before assuming her new role. Once she resigns from Congress, a special election will be scheduled to fill her seat.
Stefanik, 40, has been a staunch ally of Trump and has served as the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference since May 2021. She has represented New York's 21st Congressional District, which covers upstate New York, bordering Vermont and Canada, since 2015. According to NBC News, Stefanik has been a vocal defender of Israel and has been outspoken about antisemitism on college campuses.
Upon her nomination, Stefanik expressed her readiness to advance Trump's "restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations." Syracuse.com reports that once Stefanik vacates her seat, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has 10 days to set the date for a special election to replace her in the House. The special election must be held within 70 to 80 days afterward.