Stefanik suspends campaign for governor, won't run for reelection

And Hochul has signed signed the 100-ft. rule repeal and prisons oversight bills.

Good afternoon — It’s Friday and Ugly Sweater Day.

In today’s CapCon:

• U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik has ended her campaign for New York governor, she confirmed to the Times Union Friday.

• Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a package of prison oversight bills spurred by the deaths of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi.

• Hochul also signed a repeal of the “100-ft. rule,” ending what the bill’s supporters view as a subsidy for natural gas hookups.

• Hochul quietly released three new months of her past schedules Friday afternoon.

• Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie has censured Assemblyman Eddie Gibbs.

• New York’s political calendars are out. Here’s where to find them.

Names in today’s CapCon: Elise Stefanik, Bruce Blakeman, Kathy Hochul, Julia Salazar, Ed Cox, Emily Gallagher, Robert Brooks, Messiah Nantwi, Carl Heastie, Eddie Gibbs

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💌 ALMOST FULL: State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will join me at the Hearst Media Center in Colonie for an in-person interview at our Capitol Confidential Pro launch party on Jan. 6 in Albany. Reserve your spot here.

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

🔴 Stefanik is dropping her bid for governor, clearing the way for Blakeman

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik will suspend her campaign for governor of New York, she confirmed to the Times Union Friday. She won’t seek reelection.

In comments to Times Union columnist Chris Churchill, Stefanik said she will not move forward with her challenge to Gov. Kathy Hochul, who she’s sought to unseat for several months.

“Elise Stefanik has finally acknowledged reality: If you run against Governor Kathy Hochul, you are going to lose.,” said Hochul campaign spokesman Ryan Radulovacki.

I have a free link to Churchill’s conversation with Stefanik for paid subscribers at the bottom of this section. Here’s a preview.

“In a traditionally blue state like New York, you sort of have to have all the stars aligned politically,” Stefanik said, “and it’s just my read that it’s going to be a challenge — especially given this primary (challenge).”

Stefanik’s decision clears the path for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to become the Republican nominee in next year’s race unless another candidate from their party emerges. That’s considered unlikely at this point.