The nomination of New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik by President Trump to serve as Ambassador to the UN has been approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As she awaits final confirmation, the Republican held a Thank You Tour of the 21st Congressional district on Saturday.
Ambassador-designate Stefanik was first elected to represent northern New York in 2014. Eventually becoming a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, she has risen to become the House Republican Conference Chair.
Stefanik traveled the district on Saturday to thank her supporters. In Plattsburgh, former Clinton County legislator and elections commissioner Greg Campbell recalled her first campaign and told the crowd Stefanik has been the best friend the North Country has ever had in Washington.
“She just looks at things that others would look at as maybe almost impossible as a challenge. When she first ran the genuineness and sincerity of Elise was evident," Campbell recalled. "We know that the people that you’re going to be meeting with, facing with, in the UN, we know that you’re going to hold them accountable. And they’re going to know that your first allegiance is to the American people, not to the United Nations and not to every other country in the world.”
Before Stefanik spoke, a video highlighted her political successes. She then told the crowd she is overwhelmed by their support.
“Thank you so much. Looking back 10 years ago I have always known who I was running to represent and why I was running: to bring new ideas, a new generation of leadership and real results for we the people. To work my very hardest to give our district a voice at the absolute highest levels of government and to never apologize for doing so,"Stefanik said. "And today I’m here to thank you, the people, for giving me the, truly the honor of a lifetime to serve as your voice in Congress.”
Stefanik, who did not speak with reporters, told backers she has been one of the most effective Republicans in the House.
“We have led on issues impacting upstate ranging from small businesses and manufacturing to national security. And I believed it was my job as a member of Congress to humbly listen and to try to support and advocate as best I could. It shaped me into who I am today serving you in Congress and the type of leader I hope to continue to strive to be. You have all taught me so much," said Stefanik. "I was truly humbled when President Trump nominated me to serve in his cabinet as the United States ambassador to the United Nations. And I stand ready and proud to advance President Trump’s restoration of America First peace through strength on the world stage.”
Supporters traveled from across the district to see Stefanik and congratulate her. Wayne Taylor drove to Plattsburgh from Ticonderoga, where he retired from the Town Board after serving for 16 years.
“I’m just happy to see it and I just hope that other people are encouraged to model themselves after Congresswoman Stefanik. The talent that she brings to the job and just the skills that she has and has demonstrated with me and for us for many years will hopefully be put into service to serve the whole country and thankfully, hopefully, the world,” Taylor said.
Darlene Dubuke of Plattsburgh was curious about what Stefanik’s new role entails.
“I was hoping to hear more about what she’s looking to do. You know, how this is, how this is going to manifest. I’ve never followed anybody who’s the ambassador at the UN. So what does that mean in their role, how that might impact us?" mused Dubuke. "So that’s why we’re here. I’m here for learning, a little more information, celebrating, encouraging her.”
If the full Senate ratifies her nomination, Stefanik will then resign her Congressional seat and a special election will be called by Governor Kathy Hochul. Stefanik also stopped in Schuylerville and Ogdensburg during her Thank You Tour.
