An electronic actuator for an elevator safety brake system, the actuator having: an electromagnet assembly; and a first magnet assembly configured for being retracted from engagement with a rail depending on an energized state of the electromagnet assembly, the first magnet assembly including: blocks spaced apart from each other, respectively defining block bodies, and elongated block legs respectively extending aft from the block bodies; and a first magnet is disposed between the block bodies; wherein the electromagnet assembly includes: a core that defines: a core body extending between core ends that are spaced apart from each other; and core stub legs respectively extending forward from the core ends that are positioned adjacent to the elongated block legs when the first magnet assembly is retracted; and a coil winding wound about bobbins that are placed over the core body, the elongated block legs are longer than the core stub legs.