PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – After 10 years as the North Country’s U.S. representative, Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is moving to a post in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
Trump tapped Stefanik as his U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, saying, “Elise is a strong and very smart America-first fighter… She will be an incredible ambassador to the United Nations, delivering peace through strength and America-first national security policies!”
Stefanik has agreed to serve if confirmed.
Reaction to Stefanik’s impending departure has been mixed. The big questions now are when will there be a special election and who will represent the North Country in Congress.
Voters in Plattsburgh are weighing in on Stefanik’s pending departure to become the U.S. ambassador to the U.N.
“I’m hoping this will light a little fire and people will say, ‘Well, maybe there is a little light at the end of the tunnel for the North Country now. Let’s give it a whirl,” said James Votraw of Plattsburgh.
Some say they are glad Stefanik is moving on after 10 years and shared their hopes for a new representative.
“She really disappointed me the first time she came to a cancer fundraiser and days before she had voted down a health care bill. I had tried to call her office and I have not gotten responses or anybody answering the phone. So, when somebody new comes in, I hope that all of the constituents are their constituents and they will help everybody,” said Ann, a Plattsburgh resident.
While others, like the commander at Plattsburgh’s VFW, Norbert Neiderer, say Stefanik was a champion for veterans across the North Country.
“She does a lot for veterans and she does support us very well and everything, and I hope she continues to do that,” Neiderer said.
He also hopes she continues that support as the U.N. ambassador.
“As a U.N. ambassador, I hope she takes into consideration everything that what the veterans have been doing and continuing to do and where they stand at today, all over the world and how they defend our country and that,” Neiderer said.
Now, all eyes will be on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul as she calls a special election to succeed Stefanik once she’s confirmed. Hochul has 90 days to do so after Stefanik officially resigns.
SUNY Plattsburgh Political Science Professor Harvey Schantz says the special election could see current and hopeful politicians throw their hats in the ring.
“The idea that there is a vacancy now is very attractive to current officeholders because they do not have to risk their current seat to run for Congress,” Schantz said.
In a statement Monday afternoon, Stefanik said she was truly honored by Trump’s nomination. She said, in part:
“America continues to be the beacon of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek.
“The work ahead is immense as we see antisemitism skyrocketing coupled with four years of catastrophically weak U.S. leadership that significantly weakened our national security and diminished our standing in the eyes of both allies and adversaries. I stand ready to advance President Donald J. Trump’s restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations.”
Stefanik also said she will be forever grateful to her beloved constituents in New York’s 21st Congressional District for believing in her and giving her the opportunity to work for them in Congress.