Free Republic

Republican Elise Stefanik on Tuesday became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. And she’s pro-life. And she’s from New York state. Stefanik, who was a staffer with the presidential campaign of pro-life Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, romped to a 22-point victory over Democratic challenger Aaron Woolf in New York’s 21st congressional district. The 30-year-old Stefanik is considered a rising Republican star and leading pro-life groups like the Susan B. Anthony List campaigned for her. elisestefanik“I didn’t think I was ever going to run for office,” Stefanik told Business Insider recently. “But I was disappointed in the 2012 elections. I...

Elise Stefanik, 30, became the youngest woman elected to Congress in the nation's history on Tuesday, winning New York's 21st open district 56-32 against Democrat Aaron Woolf. "I didn't think I was ever going to run for office," Stefanik, a Republican, told Business Insider in the lead-up to Election Day.

Updated 12:30 PM | Rep. Bill Owens, D-N.Y., announced Tuesday that he will retire from Congress after just two full terms. “After careful thought and consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election for the 21st Congressional District this November,” he wrote in a news release. “It has truly been a privilege to serve, and I plan on continuing to work for a brighter future for the region.” Owens faced a somewhat competitive race against former Bush White House staffer Elise Stefanik. Republicans view the now-open seat in upstate New York as a potential pickup opportunity in 2014. In 2012,...