Rep. Elise Stefanik, Republican member from New York, is set to release a new book that details her efforts to crackdown on antisemitism on college campuses. The book, titled *Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America’s Elite Universities*, is expected to be released in April 2026 as she eyes a potential bid for the governorship of New York. According to an obtained press release from Fox News Digital, the book discusses her role in a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing that took place on December 5, 2023. In this hearing, she questioned the heads of three top universities regarding their handling of antisemitism. The fallout from this hearing led to the resignations of former Harvard University President Claudine Gay and former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill.
Stefanik’s position at a critical moment of the 2023 House Education and Workforce Committee hearing has gained significant national attention. Her comments in a press statement regarding the hearing, which was reported to have garnered global coverage, emphasized the need for accountability in higher education. She stated that the hearing had brought about a significant shift in academia and underscored the need for moral and academic clarity in response to the issue of antisemitism. The book is intended to provide a detailed account of the circumstances, with stories from students highlighting the profound impact of the crisis on campuses.
Politically, this development aligns with her bid for New York governor, an aspiration she has publicly expressed. She is currently represented in the House of Representatives by her 21st Congressional District, which spans upstate New York. She is also looking to challenge Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, an ambition that has drawn public and political attention. Her recent role in the House GOP’s campaign against antisemitism has also brought her to the forefront of national political discourse, particularly amidst the wave of anti-Israel protests at U.S. universities toward the end of the last academic year.
As she prepares for the 2026 New York gubernatorial election, Stefanik’s book is expected to serve as a platform to showcase her leadership and influence in the realm of anti-antisemitism efforts in academia. The book is seen as a pivotal moment in her political career, positioning her as a key figure in the ongoing national discussion about how universities are handling issues related to antisemitism and other forms of intolerance. The release of the book is also expected to generate further political momentum for her campaign, with her message of strength and moral clarity resonating with a broad audience in upstate New York and beyond.