Stefanik on VP Short List

By Ben Lloyd Last updated Feb 2, 2024

Solid red district? Trump has won two straight popular votes in NY-21. PHOTO CREDIT: SILAS TIMM ’27

Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., could become the next vice president of the United States. It has been reported that the NY-21 congresswoman is on former President Donald Trump’s shortlist to become his running mate in the 2024 presidential election.

While Stefanik becoming the vice president would undoubtedly call attention to our otherwise rural district, it is not out of the ordinary for our congressional representatives to transition to the Cabinet. “In 2009, John McHugh, who represented the North Country in Congress, was selected to be the Secretary of the Army by President Obama,” said James Sieja, a professor in the Government Department at St. Lawrence when referencing Stefanik, “It also would not be surprising if she accepted a cabinet position if Trump wins the presidency.”

As for the significance of this move on the North Country, Sieja suggests the regio could lose some level of influence in the House. “Stefanik has some key committee positions, and she’s highly influential in making policy for the Republicans,” explained Sieja. “Right now, the North Country punches above its weight, so it would probably be a net loss for us in the short term as far as influence goes.”

First elected in 2014, Stefanik has dominated the political landscape of the North Country since her arrival. According to Ballotpedia, Stefanik has never won a general election by less than 14 percent of the vote and has turned NY-21 into a conservative stronghold.

The North Country was represented by Bill Owens D-N.Y., who served NY-21 for two terms from 2010-2014 before deciding to step down. In fact, President Barack Obama won the North Country in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections.

Another factor that could lead to a flipped seat is ball ot fusion. Ballot fusion is when a third-party candidate runs for office in a closely contested race. “In 2010, Doug Hoffman came on the conservative line and helped Bill Owens win,” said Sieja. “It would depend on what third-party committee chairs think of the candidates put forward by the Democrats and Republicans.”

The next presidential primary will take place in Nevada on February 6. With a Trump victory in Nevada, Stefanik may be one step closer to becoming the Republican candidate for vice president.