Stefanik, Elise M.

Elise Stefanik is a Republican Congresswoman representing New York's 21st District, a position she has held since 2015. Born on July 2, 1984, in Albany, New York, she graduated from Harvard University before serving in the White House under President George W. Bush. At the time of her first election in 2014, she made history as the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress. Before entering public office, she worked for her family’s small business, Premium Plywood Products, and served as a director for the 2012 Republican vice presidential debate preparations.

In the House, she holds several high-profile committee assignments, including the House Committee on Armed Services, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Her work on these committees focuses on military readiness, strategic forces, and emerging technologies such as cyber security and artificial intelligence. She has been a vocal advocate for national defense and has sponsored legislation like the American Security Robotics Act and the No ICBMs or Drones for Iran Act.

Stefanik has risen to significant leadership roles within the Republican Party, serving as the House Republican Conference Chair from 2021 to 2025. She gained national attention for her role in congressional hearings regarding antisemitism on university campuses and has been a prominent supporter of "America First" policies. Throughout her tenure, she has balanced her focus on national security with local issues important to her upstate New York district, such as rural healthcare and invasive species management.