History of Elise Stefanik in Timeline
Elise Stefanik is a Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 21st congressional district. First elected in 2014 at the age of 30, she was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. She currently holds the position of House Republican Conference Chair, making her the fourth-ranking House Republican. Stefanik's district encompasses a large portion of the North Country and Adirondack Mountains, as well as parts of Utica's outskirts and the Capital District in New York.
July 2, 1984: Birth of Elise Stefanik
Elise Marie Stefanik was born on July 2, 1984.
October 1998: Featured in Times Union Profile
In October 1998, at the age of 14, Stefanik was featured in a Times Union profile about U.S. Senator Al D'Amato, expressing her support for his Republican views.
2004: Elected Vice President of the Harvard Institute of Politics
Stefanik was elected vice president of the Harvard Institute of Politics in 2004.
2006: Graduation from Harvard College
Stefanik graduated from Harvard College in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government.
2008: Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act
The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008, which Stefanik's co-sponsored bill sought to amend, provided protections against genetic discrimination.
2009: Owens's Special Election Victory
Democrat Bill Owens was elected to represent New York's 21st congressional district in a 2009 special election, breaking a century of Republican control.
2009: Founding of American Maggie Blog
Stefanik founded the blog American Maggie in 2009, a platform to promote the views of "conservative and Republican women", named after British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
2012: Purchase of Home in Willsboro
Following the 2012 election, Stefanik purchased a home in Willsboro, New York, near a vacation home owned by her parents.
2012: Role in Republican Politics
Stefanik helped prepare the Republican platform, served on Tim Pawlenty's presidential exploratory committee, and managed Paul Ryan's debate preparation for the 2012 presidential debates.
August 2013: Candidacy Announcement
Stefanik announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York's 21st congressional district in August 2013.
2013: Stefanik Opposes Military Budget Cuts, Citing Impact on Fort Drum
In 2013, Stefanik opposed sequestration cuts to the U.S. military budget, emphasizing the potential negative consequences for Fort Drum, a military base located in her district. This decision reflects her commitment to supporting military infrastructure and personnel within her constituency.
January 2014: Owens's Retirement Announcement
In January 2014, incumbent Democrat Bill Owens announced his decision not to seek reelection in New York's 21st congressional district.
April 2014: Ownership in Capitol Hill Townhouse
By April 2014, Stefanik had acquired a minority stake in a townhouse near Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., valued at $1.3 million.
2014: Election to Congress
In 2014, at the age of 30, Stefanik became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at the time, representing New York's 21st congressional district.
2014: Congressional Election Victory
Stefanik won the general election on November 4, 2014, with 55% of the vote, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at the time.
2014: Advocating for Women in the Republican Party
In 2014, after her election to Congress, Stefanik became a vocal advocate for increasing female representation within the Republican Party, citing Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg as a key inspiration for her political aspirations.
January 2015: Appointment to House Armed Services Committee
Stefanik was appointed to the House Armed Services Committee in January 2015.
February 2015: Appointment as Vice Chair of Subcommittee on Readiness
Stefanik was appointed vice chair of the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness in February 2015.
July 2015: Stefanik Recognized for Foreign Policy Experience and Leadership Potential
A July 2015 profile in the Washington Times highlighted Stefanik as the sole freshman on that year's conference committee for the defense policy bill. Her appointment was attributed to her extensive foreign policy background.
2016: Stefanik Supports Ending Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Election
Stefanik voiced her support for ending the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, despite objections raised by Democrats on the committee.
2016: Support for Trump's Candidacy
Stefanik continued to support Donald Trump's candidacy for president in 2016, despite finding his remarks in the Access Hollywood tape "wrong".
2016: Stefanik Votes to Release the Nunes Memo
Stefanik cast her vote in favor of releasing the Nunes memo, a document prepared by staff members of Representative Devin Nunes. While Trump claimed the memo discredited the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections, the FBI countered that it contained significant omissions of fact that impacted its accuracy.
January 11, 2017: Elected Co-Chair of the Tuesday Group
Stefanik was elected co-chair of the Tuesday Group, a caucus of moderate House Republicans, on January 11, 2017.
January 2017: Stefanik Joins Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus
Stefanik's membership in the Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, starting January 2017, suggested a moderate perspective on climate change issues.
May 4, 2017: Stefanik Votes in Favor of Repealing the Affordable Care Act
On May 4, 2017, Stefanik voted along party lines to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and pass the American Health Care Act.
August 19, 2017: Marriage to Matthew Manda
Stefanik married Matthew Manda, who worked in marketing and communications, on August 19, 2017, in Saratoga Springs, New York.
November 2017: Stefanik Votes for Extension of Children's Health Insurance Program
Stefanik voted in support of the Championing Healthy Kids Act in November 2017, a bill that aimed to extend the Children's Health Insurance Program for five years.
December 2017: Stefanik Urges Congress to Restore Net Neutrality
Following the Federal Communications Commission's decision to repeal net neutrality rules established during the Obama era in December 2017, Stefanik called upon her congressional colleagues to pass legislation that would reinstate these policies.
December 19, 2017: Stefanik Votes Against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
On December 19, 2017, Stefanik voted against the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. She expressed concerns that the bill did not adequately protect the state and local tax (SALT) deduction.
2017: Stefanik Opposes Trump's Travel Ban on Citizens from Muslim-Majority Countries
Stefanik voiced her opposition to Trump's 2017 executive order that temporarily restricted travel and immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries.
2017: Reelection to Congress
Stefanik was reelected to Congress in 2017 with 56% of the vote.
2017: Stefanik Votes Against Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Citing Impact on New York
In 2017, Stefanik joined a small group of Republicans in opposing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Her primary concern centered on changes to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, arguing that it would disproportionately affect families in her state. She criticized New York's spending habits while advocating for policies that benefited her constituents.
2017: Stefanik Co-Sponsors the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act
In 2017, Stefanik co-sponsored the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act. This legislation proposed, among other things, the removal of genetic privacy protections provided by the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008.
2017: Stefanik Supports Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
In 2017, Stefanik aligned with her party in supporting the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36). This bill aimed to restrict abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, reflecting her stance on limiting abortion access.
2017: Analysis Shows Stefanik's Alignment with Trump's Positions
An early 2017 analysis by FiveThirtyEight revealed that Stefanik voted in line with Trump's position on a significant majority of House votes, indicating a strong alignment with the then-president. This data point contributed to her characterization as a Trump loyalist.
September 2018: Stefanik Co-Sponsors the Cyber Ready Workforce Act
In September 2018, Stefanik joined Representatives Seth Moulton and Dan Donovan in co-sponsoring the Cyber Ready Workforce Act, an initiative spearheaded by Senator Jacky Rosen.
December 2018: Move to Schuylerville
In December 2018, Stefanik and her husband, Matthew Manda, relocated to Schuylerville, New York, near Saratoga Springs.
December 2018: Creation of Elevate PAC
Stefanik left the NRCC in December 2018 to create Elevate PAC (E-PAC), a "leadership PAC" dedicated to recruiting Republican women to run for office.
March 26, 2019: Stefanik Votes to Override Trump's Veto on National Emergency Declaration
On March 26, 2019, Stefanik was among 14 Republicans who sided with House Democrats to overturn Trump's veto on a measure aimed at reversing his declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border.
September 25, 2019: Stefanik Announces Opposition to Trump's Impeachment
On September 25, 2019, Stefanik announced her opposition to the impeachment of President Trump, signaling her unwavering loyalty to him.
November 2019: Stefanik's Defense of Trump During Impeachment Hearings Sparks Controversy
Stefanik emerged as a staunch defender of Trump during the November 2019 impeachment hearings. Her attempt to circumvent procedural rules during a hearing led to accusations of unfair treatment from Democrats, with Stefanik accusing Chairman Schiff of "gagging" her. The incident, while criticized by some as a political stunt, garnered significant media attention and highlighted the partisan divisions surrounding the impeachment inquiry.
2019: Opposition to Trump's First Impeachment
Stefanik strongly opposed the first impeachment of President Donald Trump in 2019 during the Trump–Ukraine scandal.
2019: Stefanik's Abortion Stance Receives Mixed Ratings
Stefanik's stance on abortion drew mixed ratings in 2019. While opposing abortion and taxpayer funding, she advocated for understanding diverse views within the GOP. Pro-life organizations like the National Right to Life Committee awarded her a high rating, whereas pro-choice groups like NARAL Pro-Choice America gave her a lower score.
2019: Stefanik's Initial Bipartisan Ranking
In 2019, during her early years in Congress, Stefanik was recognized for her bipartisan efforts, securing a relatively high ranking from the Bipartisan Index. This suggests a willingness to work across the aisle during her initial years in office.
December 2020: Stefanik Supports Efforts to Overturn 2020 Election Results
Following Trump's loss in the 2020 election, Stefanik actively participated in efforts to overturn the results. She made unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, echoing Trump's rhetoric, and supported legal challenges seeking to invalidate votes in key states.
December 2020: Stefanik Joins GOP House Members in Amicus Brief to Overturn the 2020 Election
In December 2020, Stefanik joined over 100 GOP House members in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court, requesting the overturn of the 2020 election results.
December 2020: Stefanik Appears to Support Baseless Claims About Dominion Voting Systems
In December 2020, Stefanik, during an interview with Newsmax, seemed to support their unsubstantiated claim that Dominion Voting Systems had a role in manipulating the 2020 election in favor of Joe Biden.
2020: Success of Elevate PAC Endorsements
In the 2020 House elections, 18 of the 30 women endorsed by Stefanik's E-PAC were elected.
2020: Stefanik Backs Trump's Attempts to Overturn the 2020 Election
Stefanik aligned herself with Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
2020: Support for Overturning the 2020 Election
Stefanik backed President Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election.
2020: Fortune Magazine Recognition
Stefanik was included in Fortune magazine's "40 Under 40" listing in the "Government and Politics" category in 2020.
January 6, 2021: Stefanik Condemns Capitol Riot but Votes Against Accepting Electoral Votes
Following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, Stefanik condemned the violence but stopped short of blaming Trump. Despite the events, she voted against accepting Pennsylvania's electoral votes, reflecting her alignment with Trump's claims of a stolen election.
January 2021: Stefanik's Shift in Bipartisan Rating and Conservative Support
By January 2021, at the start of the 117th Congress, Stefanik's Bipartisan Index score dropped significantly, reflecting a shift in her political alignment. Interestingly, her ratings from conservative groups like Heritage Action saw a substantial increase, highlighting her growing support among conservatives.
February 25, 2021: Stefanik Votes Against the Equality Act
In the 117th Congress, on February 25, 2021, Stefanik voted against the Equality Act. This was a notable shift from her previous support for the same legislation during the 116th Congress.
March 2021: Stefanik Votes Against American Rescue Plan Act
In March 2021, Stefanik voted against the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. Her vote aligned with the Republican party's opposition to the bill.
May 2021: Election as House Republican Conference Chair
Stefanik was elected chair of the House Republican Conference in May 2021 after incumbent Liz Cheney was removed due to her opposition to President Trump.
May 2021: Stefanik Praises Trump's Constitutional Support
In May 2021, Stefanik publicly praised Trump, describing him as an unparalleled supporter of the Constitution. This statement reflects her unwavering support for Trump and his policies.
May 19, 2021: Vote Against January 6 Commission
Stefanik voted against establishing a January 6 commission to investigate the January 6 United States Capitol attack on May 19, 2021.
August 2021: Early Support for George Santos's Campaign
Stefanik became an early supporter of George Santos's campaign for Congress in August 2021, endorsing him and providing him with staff and fundraising assistance.
2021: Stefanik Makes Controversial Claim About Democrats and Election Insurrection
In 2021, Stefanik, through a Facebook campaign advertisement, accused Democrats of orchestrating a "permanent election insurrection". She alleged that they aimed to achieve this by granting amnesty to undocumented immigrants, thereby transforming the electorate and establishing a permanent liberal majority in Washington.
2021: Stefanik Objects to Pennsylvania's Electoral Votes and Blames Pelosi for Capitol Attack
In 2021, Stefanik objected to the counting of Pennsylvania's electoral votes following the January 6th Capitol attack by Trump supporters. She also placed blame on Speaker Nancy Pelosi, alleging without evidence that Pelosi was aware of potential security threats and failed to act.
2021: Appointment as House Republican Conference Chair
In 2021, Stefanik became the chair of the House Republican Conference, making her the fourth-ranking House Republican.
2021: Condemnation of Paladino's Remarks but Continued Endorsement
Stefanik condemned Carl Paladino's 2021 remarks praising Adolf Hitler but did not withdraw her endorsement of him in the congressional race.
2021: Birth of Son, Samuel Albritton
Stefanik and Manda welcomed their son, Samuel Albritton, in 2021.
2021: Stefanik Emerges as Potential Cheney Replacement Amidst GOP Division
In 2021, following Rep. Liz Cheney's support for Trump's impeachment and her refutation of election fraud claims, Stefanik was seen as a potential replacement for Cheney as House Republican Conference Chair, despite Cheney's stronger conservative voting record. Stefanik garnered support from Trump and Scalise, emphasizing the importance of aligning with Trump. She secured the position on May 14th, acknowledging Trump's influence on Republican voters.
2021: Stefanik Votes Against the DREAM Act
In 2021, despite previously supporting DACA, Stefanik voted against the DREAM Act.
2021: Removal from Harvard Institute of Politics Committee
Stefanik was removed from the Senior Advisory Committee at the Harvard Institute of Politics in 2021 following her objection to Pennsylvania's electoral votes after the storming of the U.S. Capitol.
May 2022: Fundraiser for George Santos
In May 2022, Stefanik held a fundraiser for George Santos, which garnered over $100,000 for his congressional campaign.
July 19, 2022: Vote on the Respect for Marriage Act
On July 19, 2022, Stefanik was one of 47 Republicans who voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation that would codify the right to same-sex marriage under federal law.
2022: Endorsement of Carl Paladino
Stefanik endorsed Carl Paladino in the 2022 election for New York's 23rd congressional district despite controversies surrounding Paladino's past comments.
2022: Stefanik Supports Resolutions to Remove Trump's Impeachments from Congressional Record
In 2022, Stefanik showed support for resolutions introduced by Republican Congressman Markwayne Mullin, aimed at removing the record of Trump's first impeachments from the Congressional Record.
2022: Stefanik Retains House Republican Conference Chair Position
In 2022, Stefanik successfully defended her position as House Republican Conference Chair against a challenge from Byron Donalds.
2022: Stefanik Criticizes Biden Administration During Infant Formula Shortage
During the 2022 infant formula shortage in the U.S., Stefanik directed criticism towards the Biden administration for its policy of providing baby formula to undocumented immigrants. She argued that this policy prioritized immigrants over American citizens.
2022: Matthew Manda's Role at the National Shooting Sports Foundation
As of 2022, Matthew Manda, Stefanik's husband, was employed as the manager of public affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, a trade association representing firearms manufacturers.
June 22, 2023: Stefanik and Greene Introduce Resolutions to Expunge Trump's Impeachments
On June 22, 2023, Stefanik and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene put forth resolutions to expunge Trump's impeachments.
December 2023: Congressional Hearing on Antisemitism
Stefanik gained national attention in December 2023 for her questioning of university presidents during a U.S. congressional hearing on antisemitism, which contributed to the resignation of Liz Magill, the president of the University of Pennsylvania.
December 2023: Vote Against Expelling George Santos
Stefanik voted against expelling George Santos from the House of Representatives in December 2023, citing concerns about due process, despite revelations of misrepresentations about Santos's background.
2023: Stefanik Sparks Controversy in Antisemitism Hearing
Stefanik's questioning during a 2023 House hearing on antisemitism ignited controversy. She pressed presidents of prominent universities on whether calls for Jewish genocide constituted bullying, leading to public backlash and calls for resignations. Her tweet following the resignation of UPenn president Liz Magill, "One down. Two to go," further fueled the controversy. Stefanik's assertion linking "Intifada" chants to calls for genocide also drew criticism.