Trump praises Stefanik as ‘SMART, STRONG, and TOUGH’ in endorsement

Former President Trump gave House Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) a ringing endorsement Friday, calling her “SMART, STRONG, and TOUGH” ahead of the state’s primary election.

“Elise Stefanik is an Incredible representative for the fantastic people of New York’s 21^st Congressional District,” Trump posted to his Truth Social site. “An America First Patriot, Elise is Fighting to Protect [our country] against the Marxists, Fascists, and Communitsts on the Radical Left.”

The former president lauded Stefanik for working to support the military and veterans, growing the economy and lowering inflation, promote American energy and “Secure our under siege Southern Border.”

“Elise Stefanik is SMART, STRONG, and TOUGH—she has my Complete and Total Endorsement!” he wrote Friday.

Stefanik, the chair of the Republican conference, has been steadily rising in the ranks of the GOP for years. But after she pointedly questioned university presidents about on-campus antisemitism in a hearing last year, she’s exploded in popularity and has been rumored of joining Trump on the ballot this fall.

Stefanik won New York’s 21^st Congressional District in 2013, flipping the district and becoming the first Republican to win the seat in 21 years. According to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, the district is a safe Republican seat.

Instead of competing in a primary election this week, Stefanik and her Democratic opponent, Paula Collins, will both advance to the general election as the sole candidates for their respective parties.

On Capitol Hill, she’s become one of Trump’s most vocal advocates, even rushing to his defense after the presumptive GOP nominee was convicted in his recent hush money trial.

Last month, she sidestepped a question about whether Trump had discussed her being a potential running mate and noted that there were “a lot of names” being considered.

Speculation has swirled around who Trump will choose as his vice president. He said he plans to announce his choice at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next month.