Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.) withdrew her support for the former Ohio lawmaker's bid for Congress, citing critical coverage of former President Trump.
“Earlier this week, I informed Craig Riedel (OH-09) that I was withdrawing my support. I was extremely disappointed in his inappropriate comments regarding President Trump,” Stefanik said. wrote on thursday Posting to X, formerly known as Twitter. “As 2024 begins, my focus is on ensuring we have a strong candidate on the ballot who is committed to electing President Trump and expanding the House Republican majority this November. ”
Mr. Riedel is running for the 9th District seat in the Ohio House of Representatives and is a three-term Ohio state representative.
He came under fire last month after audio containing that content was leaked. He called Trump “arrogant” He also said he did not want the former president's support.
In the audio, first obtained by The Charlie Kirk Show, Riedel is asked, “You're not asking for Trump's support, are you?”
“We're not. We're not. No,” Riedel said.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.) addresses reporters after a closed House Republican meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. (Greg Nash)
Asked if he was “emphasizing that he doesn't want President Trump's support,” Riedel could be heard saying, “Yes.”
He later said he disliked Trump's communication style and “talking bad about people” and called the former president “arrogant.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), an ardent supporter of Trump, Posted the leaked audio To X: “.@Craig_riedel is no RINO Trumper. In his own words.”
The next day, Riedel announced his support Trump pointed to his record on the U.S. southern border, inflation, job creation and foreign policy.
“Matt Gaetz and the social media tricksters pulled a stunt yesterday to try to convince President Trump to participate in J.R. Majewski's congressional primary, a proven loser,” Riedel said. wrote to X.
See more House coverage on The Hill
Majewski, a Trump-supporting Republican, ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022 due to questions about his military record. Last October, he launched his 2024 candidacy against Democratic U.S. Rep. Marcy Capture for the northern Ohio seat.
Majority House Republican Leaders I support Riedel They include House Minority Leader Steve Scalise (Louisiana) and House Majority Leader Tom Emmer (Minnesota), who this week formally endorsed Trump's bid for the White House in 2024.
Some, like Stefanik, turned their backs on Riedel because of audio. Republican Rep. Max Miller (Ohio) withdrew his support Riedel said last month, “Due to Craig Riedel's recent comments, I must withdraw my support for his candidacy. Let's Make America Great Again.”
Stefanik, a longtime supporter of Trump, quickly endorsed his bid for the White House in November 2022, before the former president officially announced his candidacy.
The former president led his Republican rivals by 52.8 points and won 64.1 percent of the primary vote, according to Hill/Decision Desk Headquarters' polling index. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley came in second with 11.3%, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis with 11%. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie each have approval ratings in the single digits.
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