After speaking to colleagues, the progressive New York congresswoman said she believed Democrats would favor a more senior member in the role, as they did in the previous race.
The island that once housed some of the country's most notorious names has been a popular tourist draw for decades. Rebuilding a prison there would be costly, experts say.
Kemp, a Republican, was considered a strong potential candidate. Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff is running for re-election in 2026 in a state Trump carried last year.
The Department of Homeland Security announced it will provide travel assistance and a $1,000 stipend to those who use the CBP Home App to leave the United States.