How Trump’s non-endorsement demoralized Stefanik and drove her to end her campaign for governor: sources

Shocked New York Republicans said Rep. Elise Stefanik likely decided to end her gubernatorial campaign after President Trump hedged his endorsement — raising the prospect of her eventual defeat.

It was the second major let-down for the upstate Republican and loyal Trump backer, and prompted her to end her bid for Albany just weeks after her Nov. 7 campaign launch, despite leading in the polls.

The key moment came last week, when Trump publicly called Stefanik and primary challenger Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman – his longtime friend – “two fantastic people” in response to a question by The Post.

He underlined his neutrality by hosting each of them separately at the White House in the days that followed – inviting Blakeman to a White House Hanukkah reception Tuesday.

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