Forgoing UN, Stefanik to Resume Role in House GOP Leadership, but in What Capacity?

In the wake of Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., withdrawing from consideration to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, the Republican leadership in the House is welcoming Stefanik back into the fold to help the narrow GOP majority push through important legislation.

President Donald Trump withdrew Stefanik’s nomination Wednesday, saying he wanted to ensure that Republicans’ already razor-thin majority in Congress wouldn’t be reduced by Stefanik leaving her upstate New York district.

“With a very tight majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat,” the president wrote on Truth Social. “The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day.”

He added, “Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People. Speaker Johnson is thrilled! I look forward to the day when Elise is able to join my Administration in the future.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson was quick to follow Trump’s lead, writing on X, “I will invite her to return to the leadership table immediately.”

But it’s unclear exactly where Stefanik will fit in the GOP leadership.

Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., is already serving as GOP Conference chair—the position that Stefanik vacated upon initially accepting the nomination to be U.N. ambassador.

McClain thanked Stefanik on X for returning to Congress, writing, “I am glad the Speaker is bringing her to the leadership table. Her work ethic and commitment will help us deliver President Trump and the American people’s agenda.”

Leadership has not publicly made a decision on what Stefanik’s role will be. GOP House leadership offices contacted by The Daily Signal did not provide additional comment.

Speaking to Fox News, Stefanik indicated that she withdrew in order to assist House Republicans in passing a budget reconciliation bill.

“This is about stepping up as a team. And I am doing that as a leader to ensure that we can take hold of this mandate and deliver these historic results, that we can pass this [budget] reconciliation bill,” she said.

Asked what role she would be assuming within leadership, Stefanik did not go into specifics, but said she would “continue speaking out.”

“[I] just look forward to sharing my voice as I always have, being one of the top fighters and top allies on behalf of President Trump,” she said.

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