Social media is accusing Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) of being cursed after noticing that many politicians who are congratulated by her soon find their efforts to become Speaker of the House in shambles.
On Tuesday, Stefanik sent out an endorsement to Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) after Republicans voted to elect him as speaker nominee.
Yet just hours later, Emmer would drop out after receiving pushback from former President Donald Trump and his far-right supporters in Congress.
Users on X were quick to notice, referencing what has come to be known as the “Stefanik curse.”
“The Stefanik curse continues,” one user wrote.
Others soon pointed out that Stefanik had sent congratulations to other speaker nominees who likewise faced similar fates.
On Oct. 11, Stefanik sent her endorsement to Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) after he was chosen by Republicans as the speaker nominee. But not long after, Scalise dropped out as well.
Stefanik also congratulated Rep. Jim Jordan during his short-lived effort to become speaker.
The same was even seen with Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who she backed for speaker in January.
McCarthy was ousted after a slate of far-right representatives pushed for his removal. Since he was booted on Oct. 3, however, the GOP has struggled to coalesce around a candidate who can make it through a full House vote.
Their most recent nominee, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) was picked last night, getting a shout-out from Stefanik.
“STOP LETTING THIS WOMAN ENDORSE YOU,” shouted one internet user.
However, as noted by some reporters, Stefanik is in charge of the GOP’s speaker elections, essentially announcing who won with each post.
However, given Republican in-fighting of late, announcing who won is the same as dooming them from actually the Speaker seat.
