Elise Stefanik pulls endorsement of GOP candidate after anti-Trump comments leak

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., has withdrawn her endorsement of Ohio GOP House candidate Craig Riedel in the wake of leaked audio of him speaking poorly of former President Donald Trump.

"I think he is arrogant. I don’t like the way he calls people names. I just don’t think that’s very becoming of a president," he said, in the audio, which leaked in December, Politico reported. He also reportedly said he would not endorse Trump, but did so immediately following the leak.

"Earlier this week, I informed Craig Riedel (OH-09) that I will be withdrawing my endorsement. I was very disappointed in his inappropriate comments regarding President Trump. As we begin 2024, my focus is on ensuring we nominate the strongest candidates on the ballot who are committed to electing President Trump this November and expanding our House GOP Majority," Stefanik posted on X.

Ohio's 9th Congressional District includes Toledo and is currently represented by Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur.

House Republican leadership has largely backed Trump in the Republican primary, including Stefanik, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Majority Whip Tom Emmer endorsed Trump this week, despite Trump openly opposing his bid to become speaker last year.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.