Following months of rumors, Mike Lawler confirms he is not seeking the position of Governor. Rather, he plans to focus on retaining his competitive seat in New York’s 17th Congressional District.
The position of my seat influenced the control of Congress in 2022 and once more in 2024,” Lawler said to WCBS on Wednesday. “I was among just three Republicans who won a seat that Kamala Harris also secured, so my district is clearly crucial for the House Republican majority.
Now, the focus turns to fellow Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, and whether she decides to run, what her prospects might be in New York. Lawler’s declaration has also brought more clarity to Stefanik’s schedule for a gubernatorial bid, as she stated in a social media post: “I will make a final decision and announcement after this year’s November election, which we are all concentrating on.”
However, in a statement, Lawler mentioned that he feels he is most prepared to challenge Kathy Hochul for the position of Governor in 2026.
In very blue New York, that might have been a bit of a stretch for him,” says Lee Miringoff, Director of the Marist Poll. “I believe the key point is that he is currently a Congressman. He holds that position. It’s a swing district, a competitive one in a year when a lot of money and time will be invested in determining who will win that Congressional district.
CBS6 spoke with Democratic State Senator Pat Fahy on Wednesday, who thinks that Lawler’s decision not to run is actually beneficial for the Democratic Party.
Frankly, Mike Lawler would have been the more formidable candidate since he has occasionally demonstrated the strength to stand up to Donald Trump,” Fahy stated. “Although he still voted for the large and beautiful betrayal or the big and beautiful bill.
Stefanik also supported the reconciliation plan, explaining her vote to journalists earlier this week.
We raised the state and local tax deduction (SALT),” Stefanik, who claims she has received favorable feedback from her voters regarding the budget plan, stated. “If we hadn’t approved it, Democrats would have pushed for the biggest tax hike in our country’s history. Kathy Hochul was seeking the largest tax increase on New Yorkers who are already overburdened with taxes.
Governor Hochul was also engaged on social media on Wednesday.
Hochul, however, is also facing competition from within her own government. Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado has been actively running against Hochul in recent months.
“If you’re interested in discussing a potential opening for the Republican candidate in New York, the most effective approach is a fragmented, opposing Democratic Party,” Miringoff states.
Another possible candidate for the Republicans is Bruce Blakeman, the Republican County Executive from Nassau County. He has shown interest, and if Stefanik decides not to run for her seat or joins the Trump Administration, he might take over.
“Blakeman, you know, has established himself as a compelling contender. He has received some national recognition. He served as County Executive. He brings significant financial resources to the table. And it’s, as I mentioned, uncertain where Donald Trump stands on this,” Miringoff says.
