Elise Marie Stefanik (born July 2, 1984, in Albany, New York) is an American politician and former business consultant who has served as the U.S. Representative for New York's 21st congressional district since her election in 2014. A member of the Republican Party, she gained national prominence as the youngest woman ever elected to Congress at the time of her victory, defeating longtime Democratic incumbent Bill Owens. Stefanik's early career included roles in the George W. Bush administration as a policy advisor, followed by positions at Google and a consulting firm. She has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and a staunch advocate for Israel, receiving endorsements from pro-Israel groups like AIPAC. Rising through Republican ranks, she became chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2023, the third-highest leadership position in the House GOP. Stefanik serves on the House Intelligence Committee and Permanent Select Committee on Aging. Her political career has been marked by achievements and controversies, including playing a key role in Republican pushback against January 6 Capitol riot investigations, voting against impeaching Trump, and gaining further national prominence for her aggressive questioning of university presidents about antisemitism during December 2023 congressional hearings, which led to resignations at Harvard, Penn, and MIT. She is married to Matthew Manda, a financial executive, and they have one son; she resides in the North Country region of New York. As a rising star in the GOP, she is often mentioned as a potential future gubernatorial or senatorial candidate in New York.