Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) is not going to challenge New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) after contemplating a bid for months, possible clearing the best way for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) to grow to be the GOP nominee if she follows through together with her expected candidacy.
Lawler will as a substitute search reelection in his battleground Home district the place Democrats will search to oust him as a part of the occasion’s efforts to win again management of the Home. Democrats, nonetheless, fell brief within the district by greater than 6 factors final November.
Lawler is taken into account among the many stronger candidates as one of many extra average members of the GOP, giving some Republicans hope that he may have probably pulled off an upset in opposition to Hochul in 2026.
However he told The New York Instances that he wouldn’t run for the Empire State’s prime elected job, although he nonetheless views himself as one of the best candidate to face Hochul.
“Whereas I essentially consider I’m finest positioned to tackle Kathy Hochul and provide New Yorkers an actual alternative for governor, I’ve made the choice to run for re-election to the Home and proceed the essential work I’ve been doing over the previous two and a half years,” he advised the outlet.
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