Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., appeared to publicly accuse House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., of making false claims on Tuesday regarding discussions about the New York gubernatorial race.
During a press conference, Johnson said he was having “conversations” with Stefanik and fellow New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler when asked whether he had discussed the upcoming governor’s race with the two potential candidates.
Shortly after, Stefanik fired back via X (formerly Twitter), citing a report by Punchbowl News on Johnson’s remarks.
“This is not true. I have had no conversations with the Speaker regarding the Governor’s race,” Stefanik wrote.
She added, “Looking forward to the conversation about [State and Local Taxes] with NY Members tomorrow. Stay tuned.”
Attempts by Fox News Digital to reach Stefanik for further clarification went unanswered by press time.
When asked for comment, a spokesperson for Speaker Johnson referred Fox News Digital back to Johnson’s own remarks to reporters after the press conference. Johnson said:
“I just talked to her. Elise is one of my closest friends. We haven’t specifically talked about her running for governor, but all these other things. She’s coming in to visit with me, and it’s all good.”
The apparent disagreement marks a rare public clash between two members of the House GOP leadership, unfolding just as Stefanik recently resumed her full-time congressional duties.
Previously, Stefanik had been positioned to move easily through Senate confirmation to become former President Donald Trump’s U.N. ambassador pick. However, concerns over the Republican Party’s narrow majority in the House — and the complications that would arise from a special election to replace her — led Trump to ask her to withdraw from consideration.
After stepping down from her role as House GOP Conference Chair and leaving two top committee posts on the House Intelligence and Education panels, Stefanik was reassigned to House Republican leadership at Trump’s direction, with Johnson announcing her new position soon after.
Nevertheless, reports quickly surfaced suggesting Stefanik was weighing a gubernatorial bid in New York, further stirring speculation about her political future.
Rep. Mike Lawler, who was also mentioned by Johnson, is similarly rumored to be considering a run for governor.
At Tuesday’s press conference, when asked directly about conversations with Stefanik and Lawler regarding their political aspirations, Johnson said:
“I have lots of conversations. I love them both. They’re two of my favorite people and most trusted colleagues. They’re both super talented, which is why they get talked about for doing other things.”
He continued,
“My preference is they all stay here with me. But I don’t begrudge anybody for having other opportunities. We ultimately support them in whatever they do. Are we having conversations? We are. Yeah. And that’s all I’m going to say about it.”
The public contradiction between Stefanik and Johnson hints at underlying tensions within the House GOP, even as they strive to project unity ahead of critical election battles.