History of Elise Stefanik in Timeline

Elise Stefanik is a U.S. Representative for New York's 21st congressional district. She served as chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2025, making her the fourth-ranking House Republican. Elected to Congress in 2014 at age 30, Stefanik was the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at the time. Her district includes the North Country, Adirondack Mountains, and parts of the Utica suburbs and the Capital District.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

July 2, 1984: Elise Stefanik's Birth

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

Others born on this day/year

October 1998: Featured in Times Union Profile

In October 1998, at the age of 14, Elise Stefanik was featured in a Times Union profile about U.S. Senator Al D'Amato, expressing her 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: 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, among other things, would eliminate the genetic privacy protections of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008.

2009: Previous election in the 21st congressional district

In 2009, Democrat Bill Owens was elected to represent New York's 21st congressional district in a special election.

2009: Founding of "American Maggie" Blog

In 2009, Elise Stefanik founded the blog "American Maggie", a platform to promote the views of "conservative and Republican women", named after Margaret Thatcher.

2012: Stefanik Buys a Home in Willsboro, New York

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

2012: Role in Republican Platform and Presidential Debates

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 Foreign Policy Initiative, and managed Representative Paul Ryan's debate preparation for the 2012 presidential debates.

August 2013: Declaration of Candidacy for U.S. House

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

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, citing its effect on Fort Drum in New York.

January 2014: Announcement of Opponent Not Seeking Reelection

In January 2014, Bill Owens, the Democratic representative for New York's 21st congressional district, announced that he would not seek reelection, and Doug Hoffman endorsed Stefanik.

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, being 30 years old.

2014: Election to Congress

In 2014, Elise Stefanik won the election for New York's 21st congressional district with 55% of the vote, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at the time.

2014: Influence of Sheryl Sandberg

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

January 2015: Appointment to House Armed Services Committee

In January 2015, Elise Stefanik was appointed to the House Armed Services Committee and elected as the freshman representative to the policy committee.

February 2015: Appointment as 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: Profiled in The Washington Times as a rising Republican leader

In a July 2015, Elise Stefanik was the only freshman on that year's conference committee for the defense policy bill, signaling that party leaders wanted Stefanik to be part of "the next generation of Republican leaders".

2016: Re-election Campaign and Support for Donald Trump

In 2016, Elise Stefanik ran for reelection and became increasingly supportive of Donald Trump's candidacy for president after he won the Republican Party presidential primary.

2016: Supported ending House Intelligence Committee's 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.

2016: Voted to release the Nunes memo

In 2016, Elise Stefanik voted to release the Nunes memo written by staff members of Representative Devin Nunes.

January 11, 2017: Election as 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, an apparent indication of "a moderate stance on climate change issues".

May 4, 2017: Voted in favor of repealing Obamacare

On May 4, 2017, Elise Stefanik voted on 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 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 would provide a five-year extension to the Children's Health Insurance Program.

December 2017: Urged colleagues to restore 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, citing its failure to adequately protect the state and local tax deduction.

2017: Co-sponsored the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act

In 2017, Elise Stefanik co-sponsored the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act in the 115th Congress.

2017: Support for 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 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, citing concerns over changes to the state and local tax deduction and "Albany's failed leadership".

2017: Reelection to Congress

In 2017, Elise Stefanik was reelected to Congress with 56% of the vote, with an endorsement from John Bolton.

2017: FiveThirtyEight analysis on support of Trump

In early 2017, an analysis by FiveThirtyEight found Elise Stefanik supporting Trump's position in 77.7% of House votes from the 115th to the 117th Congress.

September 2018: Co-sponsored the Cyber Ready Workforce Act

In September 2018, Elise Stefanik 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: Stefanik and Manda Move to Schuylerville

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

December 2018: Departure from NRCC and Creation of Elevate PAC

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

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 Trump's veto of a measure unwinding the latter's 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 Trump.

November 2019: Emergence as a key defender of Trump during impeachment hearings

During the November 2019 hearings, Elise Stefanik emerged as a key defender of Trump, leading to controversies over questioning time and accusations against Adam Schiff.

2019: Opposition to Trump Impeachment

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

2019: Ranking on Bipartisan Index

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

2019: Ratings from Pro-Life and Pro-Choice Groups

In 2019, The National Right to Life Committee gave Elise Stefanik a 71% rating, and NARAL Pro-Choice America gave her a 28% rating.

December 2020: Supported Newsmax's claim about Dominion Voting Systems

In December 2020, Elise Stefanik appeared to support Newsmax's baseless claim that Dominion Voting Systems had helped Joe Biden "steal" the election from Donald Trump, and continued to make unsubstantiated claims about election fraud.

December 2020: Joined amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the 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 2020 election.

December 2020: Supported lawsuit Texas v. Pennsylvania

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

2020: Backing Trump's Election Overturn Attempts

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

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

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

2020: Inclusion in Fortune's "40 Under 40"

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

2020: Success of E-PAC Endorsements in 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 storming of the U.S. Capitol, Elise Stefanik condemned the violence but rejected the idea that Trump was at fault and voted against accepting Pennsylvania's electoral votes.

January 2021: Shift in Conservative Group Scores

Starting in January 2021, with the 117th Congress, Heritage Action gave Elise Stefanik an 84% score, compared to a lifetime score of 48%.

February 25, 2021: Stefanik Votes Against the Equality Act

On February 25, 2021, Elise Stefanik voted against the Equality Act in the 117th Congress, a reversal from her support for the same legislation in the previous Congress.

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

In March 2021, Elise Stefanik voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill.

May 2021: Called Trump strongest supporter of the Constitution

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

May 2021: Election as Chair of the House Republican Conference

In May 2021, Elise Stefanik was elected chair of the House Republican Conference after Liz Cheney was removed due to her opposition to President Trump.

May 19, 2021: Vote 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: Tweet calling for "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: Claimed Pelosi was responsible for January 6 Attack

After Trump supporters were involved in the 2021 United States Capitol attack, Elise Stefanik said that Speaker Nancy Pelosi was responsible, claiming without evidence that Pelosi was "aware of potential security threats to the Capitol and she failed to act".

2021: Paladino's Controversial Remarks

In 2021, Carl Paladino made controversial comments praising Adolf Hitler, leading to scrutiny of Stefanik's endorsement. Despite the controversy, Stefanik did not withdraw her endorsement.

2021: Birth of Samuel Albritton

In 2021, Elise Stefanik and Matthew Manda had a child, Samuel Albritton.

Others born on this day/year

2021: Chair of the House Republican Conference

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

2021: Voted against the DREAM Act

In 2021, Elise Stefanik voted against the DREAM Act, which nine Republicans voted for.

2021: Election as House Republican Conference Chair

In 2021, Elise Stefanik was elected House Republican Conference chair, replacing Liz Cheney, after receiving endorsements from Donald Trump and Steve Scalise.

2021: Removal from House Armed Services Committee

In 2021, Elise Stefanik was removed from the House Armed Services Committee following her objection to Pennsylvania's electoral votes after the storming of the U.S. Capitol.

2021: Accused Democrats of orchestrating a "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, which received renewed criticism after the 2022 Buffalo shooting.

May 2022: Stefanik Hosts Fundraiser for George Santos

In May 2022, Elise Stefanik held a fundraiser for George Santos that raised over $100,000.

July 19, 2022: Stefanik Votes in Favor of the Respect for Marriage Act

On July 19, 2022, Elise Stefanik was one of 47 Republican representatives who voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.

2022: Manda's Employment in 2022

As of 2022, Matthew Manda, Elise Stefanik's husband, works as the manager of public affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

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, and her association of the Democratic Party with pedophiles appeared to echo the QAnon conspiracy theory.

2022: Stefanik Endorses Carl Paladino

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

2022: Supported resolutions to remove Trump's impeachments

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

2022: Reelection as Conference Chair

In 2022, Elise Stefanik was reelected as conference chair, defeating Byron Donalds.

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

On June 22, 2023, Elise Stefanik and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a pair of resolutions to expunge Trump's impeachments.

December 2023: Questioning of University Presidents on Antisemitism

In December 2023, Elise Stefanik gained national attention for her questioning of 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 George Santos

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

2023: Hearing on Antisemitism and University Presidents

During a 2023 hearing on antisemitism of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Elise Stefanik questioned the presidents of Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania about whether "calling for the genocide of Jewish people" constituted bullying or harassment on their campuses. Liz Magill, president of UPenn, resigned the following week.

May 2024: Speech at Israeli Knesset

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

September 2024: Criticized the United Nations for "extreme antisemitism and moral depravity"

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 United Nations

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 10, 2024: Nomination as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

On November 10, 2024, President-elect Trump nominated Elise Stefanik to serve as the United States ambassador to the United Nations.

November 2024: Offer of Ambassador to the UN Position

In November 2024, Elise Stefanik was reportedly offered the position of United States ambassador to the United Nations by President-elect Trump, which she confirmed to the New York Post and Trump formally confirmed the nomination on November 11.

January 21, 2025: Appearance Before Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

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

March 27, 2025: Withdrawal of Nomination as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

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 House Republican majority.

2025: End of term as chair of House Republican Conference

Elise Stefanik's term as chair of the House Republican Conference ended in 2025, after she held the position since 2021, making her the fourth-ranking House Republican.