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Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., is skipping a bid for governor and will instead run for re-election after Trump urged him to do just that, which clears the field for one of Lawler’s House colleagues if she chooses to run.
Lawler made his announcement this morning in an interview with The New York Times and an appearance on Fox News, noting that “keeping the House majority is critical” and that his seat has been “determinative of control of the House” during recent elections.
“I’m proud to run for re-election on my record and win next November and keep the House Republican majority,” he said.
Lawler been openly considering a gubernatorial bid for some time, but Trump endorsed him for re-election before Lawler publicly made up his mind. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., a Trump ally who had been tapped as his United Nations ambassador before that nomination was pulled amid concerns about the slim GOP majority in the House, is also weighing her own gubernatorial bid.
Lawler’s decision helps House Republicans who are defending a narrow majority next year, as they’ll be able to rally behind the incumbent in a difficult district that then-Vice President Kamala Harris narrowly won in 2024. Stefanik responded to Lawler’s decision by saying she’d announce her plans after the fall elections.
Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is running for re-election and faces a primary challenge from her lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado.
