History of Elise Stefanik in Timeline

Elise Stefanik is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. representative for New York's 21st congressional district. She notably held the position of Chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2025. Representing a district encompassing the North Country, Adirondack Mountains, and Utica suburbs, Stefanik made history as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress when she first won her seat in 2014 at the age of 30.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

July 2, 1984: Elise Stefanik Born

On July 2, 1984, Elise Marie Stefanik was born. She later became the U.S. representative for New York's 21st congressional district.

Others born on this day/year

October 1998: Times Union Profile

In October 1998, at age 14, Elise Stefanik was featured in a Times Union profile about U.S. senator Al D'Amato, where she expressed support for the Republican view.

2002: Graduation from Albany Academy for Girls

In 2002, Elise Stefanik graduated from the Albany Academy for Girls.

2004: Elected Vice President of Harvard Institute of Politics

In 2004, Elise Stefanik was elected vice president of the Harvard Institute of Politics.

2006: Graduation from Harvard College

In 2006, Elise Stefanik graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government.

2008: Related to the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008

In 2017, Elise Stefanik co-sponsored the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act in the 115th Congress, legislation that could eliminate genetic privacy protections enacted under the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008.

2009: Conservative Party Nominee Endorsement

Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party's congressional nominee in 2009, endorsed Stefanik.

2009: Founded "American Maggie" Blog

In 2009, Elise Stefanik founded the blog "American Maggie" to promote the views of conservative and Republican women.

2012: Stefanik Buys Home in Willsboro

After the 2012 election, Stefanik bought a home in Willsboro, New York, near Plattsburgh, where her parents had a vacation home for many years.

2012: Role in the 2012 Election

In 2012, Elise Stefanik helped prepare the Republican platform, served as director of new media for Tim Pawlenty's presidential exploratory committee, worked at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and at Foreign Policy Initiative and managed Rep. Paul Ryan's preparation for the 2012 vice presidential debate.

August 2013: Candidacy Announcement

In August 2013, Elise Stefanik declared her candidacy in the 2014 election for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York's 21st congressional district.

2013: Opposed sequestration cuts to the U.S. military budget

In 2013, Elise Stefanik opposed the sequestration cuts to the federal U.S. military budget due to its potential impact on Fort Drum, which is located north of Watertown, New York, within her district.

January 2014: Owens Announces No Reelection Bid

In January 2014, Bill Owens announced that he would not seek reelection, paving the way for Stefanik's candidacy.

2014: Election to Congress

In 2014, Elise Stefanik defeated Matt Doheny in the Republican primary election and subsequently won the general election against Aaron Woolf and Matt Funiciello. At age 30, she became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at the time.

2014: Election to the House of Representatives

In 2014, Elise Stefanik was elected to the House of Representatives for New York's 21st congressional district. At the time, she was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, at the age of 30.

2014: Influence of Sheryl Sandberg

In 2014, after her election, Stefanik cited Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg as a major influence in her decision to run for Congress.

February 2015: Appointed Vice Chair of Subcommittee on Readiness

In February 2015, Elise Stefanik was appointed vice chair of the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness.

July 2015: Served on defense policy bill conference committee

In July 2015, Elise Stefanik was the only freshman on the year's conference committee for the defense policy bill, a position given due to her foreign policy experience.

2016: Reelection Campaign and Support for Trump

In 2016, Elise Stefanik ran for reelection and became increasingly supportive of Donald Trump's presidential candidacy after he won the Republican Party presidential primary. While acknowledging Trump's crude remarks in the Access Hollywood tape were "wrong", she continued to endorse him.

2016: Supported ending House investigation into Russian interference

In 2016, Elise Stefanik supported ending the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections, despite objections from Committee Democrats.

2016: Voted to release Nunes memo

In 2016, Elise Stefanik voted to release the Nunes memo, which was written by staff members of Representative Devin Nunes and claimed to discredit the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. The FBI disputed the memo's accuracy.

January 11, 2017: Elected Co-Chair of the Tuesday Group

On January 11, 2017, Elise Stefanik announced that she had been elected co-chair of the Tuesday Group, a caucus of moderate House Republicans.

January 2017: Joined the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus

In January 2017, Elise Stefanik joined the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, signaling a moderate stance on climate change issues.

May 4, 2017: Voted in favor of repealing Obamacare

On May 4, 2017, Elise Stefanik voted along party lines in favor of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and passing the House Republican-sponsored American Health Care Act.

August 19, 2017: Stefanik Marries Matthew Manda

On August 19, 2017, Elise Stefanik married Matthew Manda, who works in marketing and communications, in Saratoga Springs, New York.

November 2017: Voted for the Championing Healthy Kids Act

In November 2017, Elise Stefanik voted for the Championing Healthy Kids Act, which provided a five-year extension to the Children's Health Insurance Program.

December 2017: Urged restoration of net neutrality

After the Federal Communications Commission decided to repeal Obama-era net neutrality in December 2017, Elise Stefanik urged her congressional colleagues to pass legislation restoring the policy.

December 19, 2017: Voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

On December 19, 2017, Elise Stefanik voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 due to concerns that the final bill did not adequately protect the state and local tax deduction (SALT) relied upon by many in her district and across New York.

2017: Supported Trump's position in House votes

An analysis in early 2017 found that Elise Stefanik supported Donald Trump's position in 77.7% of House votes, indicating a high level of agreement with the President's policies.

2017: Co-sponsored Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act

In 2017, Elise Stefanik co-sponsored the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act in the 115th Congress, legislation that could eliminate genetic privacy protections and allow companies to require employees to undergo genetic testing or risk paying a penalty.

2017: Supported Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

In 2017, Elise Stefanik joined her party in supporting H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.

2017: Opposed Trump's travel ban

In 2017, Elise Stefanik opposed President Trump's executive order imposing a temporary ban on travel and immigration to the United States by nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries.

2017: Voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

In 2017, Elise Stefanik voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, primarily because of the changes to the state and local tax deduction (SALT) that many in her district relied on. She also criticized Albany's fiscal policies, arguing that failing to maintain SALT deductions could lead to more families leaving the region due to New York's high tax burden.

2017: Reelection with John Bolton's Endorsement

In 2017, John Bolton endorsed Elise Stefanik for reelection. She was reelected with 56% of the vote.

September 2018: Co-sponsored Cyber Ready Workforce Act

In September 2018, Elise Stefanik, along with Seth Moulton and Dan Donovan, co-sponsored the Cyber Ready Workforce Act, legislation that would create a grant program within the Department of Labor to expand registered apprenticeships in cybersecurity.

December 2018: Announced Creation of Elevate PAC (E-PAC)

In December 2018, Elise Stefanik announced she would leave the NRCC to create Elevate PAC (E-PAC), a "leadership PAC" dedicated to recruiting Republican women to run for office.

December 2018: Stefanik and Manda Move to Schuylerville

In December 2018, Stefanik and Matthew Manda moved to Schuylerville, near Saratoga Springs.

March 26, 2019: Voted to override Trump's veto on national emergency declaration

On March 26, 2019, Elise Stefanik was one of 14 Republicans to vote with all House Democrats to override President Trump's veto of a measure unwinding his declaration of a national emergency at the southern border.

September 25, 2019: Announced opposition to Trump's impeachment

On September 25, 2019, Elise Stefanik announced that she did not support the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

November 2019: Became a key defender of Trump during impeachment hearings

During the November 2019 impeachment hearings against President Trump, Elise Stefanik became a key defender of Trump, leading to a controversy where she accused committee chairman Adam Schiff of preventing Republican committee members from controlling their time to question witnesses. This event increased her visibility and solidified her role as a staunch Trump supporter.

2019: Opposed Trump Impeachment

In 2019, Elise Stefanik strongly opposed the first impeachment of President Donald Trump during the Trump–Ukraine scandal.

2019: Bipartisan Index Ranking

In 2019, Elise Stefanik was ranked as the 19th-most bipartisan House member during the first session of the 115th United States Congress.

December 2020: Joined amicus brief to overturn 2020 election

In December 2020, Elise Stefanik joined over 100 GOP House members in an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

December 2020: Supported Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit

In December 2020, Elise Stefanik supported the lawsuit Texas v. Pennsylvania, an attempt to reverse Donald Trump's loss in the 2020 presidential election by petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to reject certified results in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia.

December 2020: Appeared to support Newsmax's claim about Dominion Voting Systems

In December 2020, during an interview with Newsmax, Elise Stefanik appeared to support Newsmax's baseless claim that Dominion Voting Systems had helped Joe Biden "steal" the election from Donald Trump. This was despite the lack of evidence and Newsmax later retracting the claim after legal settlement.

2020: Backed attempts to overturn election

In 2020, Elise Stefanik backed Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election, objecting to Pennsylvania's electoral votes.

2020: Backed Trump's attempts to overturn the presidential election

In 2020, Elise Stefanik backed Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election.

2020: Fortune 40 Under 40

In 2020, Fortune magazine included Elise Stefanik in its "40 Under 40" listing in the "Government and Politics" category.

2020: E-PAC Success in the 2020 House Elections

In the 2020 House elections, 18 of the 30 women endorsed by Elise Stefanik's E-PAC were elected.

January 6, 2021: Condemned Capitol violence but rejected Trump's fault

On January 6, 2021, after the attack on the U.S. Capitol, Elise Stefanik condemned the violence but rejected the idea that President Trump was at fault. She voted against accepting Pennsylvania's electoral votes and later opposed impeaching Trump for inciting the attack.

February 25, 2021: Voted against the Equality Act

On February 25, 2021, Elise Stefanik voted against the Equality Act, despite having supported the same legislation during the previous Congress.

March 2021: Voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

In March 2021, Elise Stefanik, along with all House Republicans, voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill.

May 2021: Called Trump the strongest supporter of the Constitution

In May 2021, Elise Stefanik referred to Donald Trump as the "strongest supporter of any president when it comes to standing up for the Constitution."

May 2021: Election as House Republican Conference Chair

In May 2021, Elise Stefanik was elected chair of the House Republican Conference after Liz Cheney was removed from the position.

May 19, 2021: Voted Against January 6 Commission

On May 19, 2021, Elise Stefanik and other House Republican leaders voted against establishing a January 6 commission to investigate the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

July 29, 2021: Tweeted "FIRE FAUCI!"

On July 29, 2021, Elise Stefanik tweeted "FIRE FAUCI!"

August 2021: Stefanik Endorses George Santos

In August 2021, Elise Stefanik endorsed George Santos's campaign for U.S. representative from New York's 3rd district.

2021: Paladino's controversial comments

In 2021, Carl Paladino made controversial comments, praising Adolf Hitler. Despite the backlash, Stefanik did not withdraw her endorsement.

2021: Chair of the House Republican Conference

In 2021, Elise Stefanik became the chair of the House Republican Conference, holding the position until 2025, making her the fourth-ranking House Republican.

2021: Objected to Pennsylvania's electoral votes

In 2021, Elise Stefanik objected to Pennsylvania's electoral votes after the January 6th Capitol attack and claimed Nancy Pelosi was responsible for the attack.

2021: Voted against the DREAM Act

In 2021, Elise Stefanik voted against the DREAM Act, despite having previously supported DACA.

2021: Birth of Samuel Albritton

In 2021, Stefanik and her husband Matthew Manda had their first child, Samuel Albritton.

Others born on this day/year

2021: Claimed Democrats were orchestrating "permanent election insurrection"

In a Facebook campaign advertisement in 2021, Elise Stefanik claimed that Democrats were orchestrating a "permanent election insurrection" by granting amnesty to undocumented immigrants in order to "overthrow our current electorate and create a permanent liberal majority in Washington".

2021: Support for Trump and Republican Conference Chair Election

In early 2021, Elise Stefanik was seen as a potential replacement for Liz Cheney as House Republican Conference chair. She received the endorsement of Donald Trump and Steve Scalise, emphasizing the need for the Republican Party to work with Trump. On May 14, Stefanik was elected House Republican Conference chair.

May 2022: Fundraiser for George Santos

In May 2022, Stefanik held a fundraiser for George Santos, which raised over $100,000 for his campaign.

July 19, 2022: Stefanik Votes for Respect for Marriage Act

On July 19, 2022, Elise Stefanik, along with 46 other Republican representatives, voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act. This act codified the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.

2022: Manda's Occupation in 2022

As of 2022, Matthew Manda works as the manager of public affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a trade association for firearms manufacturers.

2022: Criticized Biden administration during infant formula shortage

During the 2022 United States infant formula shortage, Elise Stefanik criticized the Biden administration for supplying baby formula to undocumented immigrants, claiming that the administration was prioritizing immigrants over American citizens. She also accused the Democrats of collaborating with unspecified "pedo grifters" and alluded to QAnon conspiracy theories. These statements sparked controversy and accusations of promoting the white nationalist replacement theory.

2022: Reelected as Conference Chair

Following the 2022 elections, Elise Stefanik was reelected as conference chair, defeating Byron Donalds.

2022: Supported resolutions to remove Trump's impeachments

In 2022, Elise Stefanik supported Republican congressman Markwayne Mullin's resolutions to remove Donald Trump's impeachments from the Congressional Record.

2022: Stefanik Endorses Carl Paladino

In 2022, Stefanik endorsed Carl Paladino in the election to succeed retiring U.S. representative Chris Jacobs in New York's 23rd congressional district.

June 22, 2023: Introduced resolutions to expunge Trump's impeachments

On June 22, 2023, Elise Stefanik, along with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, introduced resolutions to expunge Donald Trump's impeachments from the Congressional Record.

December 2023: Questioning of University Presidents on Antisemitism

In December 2023, Elise Stefanik questioned university presidents during a congressional hearing on antisemitism, which contributed to the resignation of Liz Magill, the president of the University of Pennsylvania.

December 2023: Stefanik votes against expelling Santos

In December 2023, Stefanik voted against expelling George Santos from the House of Representatives, citing concerns regarding due process.

2023: House Education and Workforce Committee Hearing

During a 2023 hearing on antisemitism of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Stefanik questioned university presidents regarding whether "calling for the genocide of Jewish people" constituted bullying or harassment on their campuses. Following the hearing UPenn president Liz Magill resigned.

May 2024: Gave speech at Israeli Knesset

In May 2024, Elise Stefanik gave a speech at the Israeli Knesset, calling for the destruction of those responsible for the October 7 Hamas-led attack.

September 2024: Criticized the United Nations for extreme antisemitism

In September 2024, Elise Stefanik criticized the United Nations's "extreme antisemitism and moral depravity" and has called on President Joe Biden to "unequivocally support Israel’s right to defend itself against both brutal terrorists and biased international organizations".

October 2024: Called for reassessment of US funding of the UN

In October 2024, Elise Stefanik called for a "complete reassessment of US funding of the United Nations" after the Palestinian Authority attempted to expel Israel from the UN due to human rights abuses in Gaza.

November 2024: Ambassador offer

In November 2024, CNN reported that President-elect Trump had offered Stefanik the position of United States ambassador to the United Nations. On November 10, Stefanik agreed to accept the position and on November 11, Trump stated that he would nominate Stefanik to the U.N. ambassadorship.

2024: Defeated Paula Collins

In 2024, Elise Stefanik defeated Democrat Paula Collins by a wide margin.

January 20, 2025: Nomination as Ambassador to the United Nations

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Elise Stefanik to serve as the United States ambassador to the United Nations.

January 21, 2025: Appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

On January 21, 2025, Stefanik appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. During the hearing, she vowed to fight antisemitism, support Israel and Taiwan, counter Chinese influence, and use American contributions as leverage to drive reforms when necessary.

January 30, 2025: Nomination Advanced by Committee

On January 30, 2025, the Senate Committee advanced Elise Stefanik's nomination in a 19-3 vote. However, Senate Republicans delayed the confirmation process.

March 27, 2025: Withdrawal of Nomination

On March 27, 2025, Elise Stefanik's nomination to serve as the United States ambassador to the United Nations was withdrawn due to concerns about the Republican House majority.