Uncovering Elise Stefanik’s Ties to the New York Young Republican Club: A History of Controversy

Blue Press Journal – As New York Representative Elise Stefanik announces her candidacy for Governor, her past connections to the New York Young Republican Club (NYSYRC) are coming under scrutiny. The controversy surrounding the organization’s ties to racists and white supremacists has raised questions about Stefanik’s judgment and associations. In this blog post, we’ll examine Stefanik’s history with the NYSYRC, their support for her and her members, and the implications of her connections to the organization.

A History of Controversy

In October, the NYSYRC made national headlines when leaked screenshots from a private group chat revealed racist and vitriolic language used by its top members. The controversy deepened when it was discovered that the organization had invited individuals with ties to Nazism to their annual party. Despite the backlash, Stefanik has attempted to distance herself from the organization.

However, a review of the NYSYRC’s website in October revealed that Stefanik’s name was listed as a member, although it has since been removed. According to a club announcement, Stefanik “formally joined” the group in 2022. The organization’s ties to Stefanik are undeniable, and her attempts to scrub her history with the group have been unsuccessful.

The New York Young Republican Club is under scrutiny for hosting far-right figures and AfD politicians at its annual gala, shortly after its state-level counterpart was disbanded over leaked racist messages.

• Gala Guest List: The NYYRC’s December 2025 gala at Cipriani Wall Street drew intense criticism due to the attendance of individuals such as white nationalist leader Jared Taylor, and a streamer known for making antisemitic content.
• Hosting Far-Right German Politicians: The club hosted Markus Frohnmaier, a lead representative for external affairs of Germany’s far-right AfD party. The AfD has been labeled an extremist group by German authorities, and the NYYRC was criticized for celebrating their success.

Support from the NYSYRC and its Members

The NYSYRC has a history of supporting Stefanik and her members. In various social media posts and statements, the organization has expressed its admiration for Stefanik’s conservative values and her leadership. For example, on their Twitter/X account, the NYSYRC praised Stefanik’s efforts to “stand up to the radical left” (@NYSYoungGOP, October 2022).

Moreover, Stefanik has received endorsements from prominent members of the NYSYRC. In a Facebook post, NYSYRC member and Chair, Nicholas LaPorte, expressed his support for Stefanik’s re-election campaign (facebook.com/NYSYoungGOP, November 2022).

Implications of Stefanik’s Connections to the NYSYRC

As Stefanik launches her gubernatorial campaign, her connections to the NYSYRC raise serious questions about her judgment and values. The organization’s ties to racists and white supremacists are a stain on its reputation, and Stefanik’s attempts to distance herself from the group have been unconvincing.

In a statement, Stefanik claimed that she was “unaware of the group’s extremist views” when she joined. However, this claim is dubious, given the organization’s history of controversy and the fact that Stefanik has been a prominent figure in New York politics for years.

As Elise Stefanik seeks to become the next Governor of New York, her connections to the New York Young Republican Club are a liability. The organization’s ties to racists and white supremacists are a serious concern, and Stefanik’s attempts to scrub her history with the group have been unsuccessful. Voters must carefully consider Stefanik’s judgment and values in light of her associations with the NYSYRC.