Reports: Rep. Elise Stefanik Won't Leave Congress After All

Some 20 Republican candidates have lobbied and spent their own money, a Democratic candidate has been declared, and now the nomination of Elise Stefanik as Ambassador to the United Nations has been pulled by the White House. That's what CBS and Reuters is reporting mid-day Thursday after a White House official confirmed she would remain in Congress as to not deplete the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

(Updated confirming earlier reports)

Speaker Mike Johnson's Republican majority is currently 218-213 with four vacancies, two of which are in Florida where special elections are set for April 1, 2025. Another special election in Arizona has been set for September 25, 2025, with Stefanik's not scheduled until she resigns from Congress, which was expected to happen following her senate confirmation which was unofficially set to begin next week. Now, this comment from the White House to a CBS reporter has cast a shadow of uncertainty over what is expected to happen at the United Nations and Stefanik's Congressional district, NY-21, which covers a part of Oneida and Herkimer Counties as well as a major swath of the New York's north country. Stefanik's office has not commented on the news.

President Trump nominated Stefanik, a loyal Trump supporter, back in November and since then she's remained in Congress to preserve her "Trump vote" in order to move the President's agenda forward.

Joe Rontkowski, Anthony Constantino, and NY Assemblyman Robert Smullen are among some 20-plus potential Republican candidates who've shown an interest in the seat. Republican County chairpeople will vote to determine which candidate the party runs, once Stefanik resigns from Congress and Governor Kathy Hochul sets a special election. Blake Gendebien, a north country farmer, was named the Democratic candidate about 30 days ago.

Remaining Country Shows In Upstate NY For 2024

It was a huge year of Country shows in 2024 including concerts starring Dierks Bentley, Hardy, Brooks & Dunn, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Kane Brown, Tim McGraw, and so many others. As we wrap up the back end of the year, here are the remaining Country artists coming to the region.

Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff

Meet Your Friendly Ghosts On These Great Upstate NY Haunted Walking Tours!

Ghost and haunted stories are the order of the day when we reach the middle of October. And Upstate New York has plenty of ways for you to get in touch with your own supernatural favorites. This gallery looks at a bunch of fun haunted ghost walking tours in Upstate New York. The leaders of these tours, many of them in costume, will regale you along your midnight (or earlier) walks through haunted buildings, old cemeteries, and places where the unexplainable happened. Walk the streets of Albany and Utica and Rochester and here some real chilling tales. Take a tour of the creepy but historic old Rolling Hills Asylum where inmates are said to be still trying to get out. Walk through a haunted 1928 movie palace, and a couple of great mansions. All are fun for you this "haunted season."

Gallery Credit: Chuck DImperio

Are These the 20 Best Chocolate Shops in Upstate NY? You Be the Judge!

Does anybody really need an excuse for giving your loved one some chocolates. Or for treating yourself to a sweet treat? There are so many wonderful chocolate shops in Upstate New York just go for it any time this year. The delectable creations these 20 Upstate New York chocolatiers come up with are nothing short of amazing, especially the bark candy, truffles, bon bons, and sponge candy! I am sure your mouth will be watering after you see some of the beautiful chocolate creations!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio