Republican leaders are urging Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) to reconsider his potential 2026 gubernatorial run to safeguard his battleground House seat. With concerns about retaining their slim majority, GOP leaders emphasize the risks involved in Lawler leaving one of only three districts that Trump carried in the 2024 election. Although Lawler has yet to finalize his decision, he plans to announce it by June, asserting it will be independent of his colleagues’ desires.
Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and advisers close to Trump express worries about Lawler’s candidacy, believing he is crucial to their electoral strategies. Lawler, a two-term congressman, outperformed expectations in the previous election, winning by nearly six percentage points. Senior GOP figures assert that attracting a replacement of Lawler’s caliber would be challenging.
Amid this uncertainty, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is also contemplating a gubernatorial run, complicating the dynamics further. GOP leaders appear more relaxed about her potential departure from her safe seat in upstate New York compared to Lawler’s Hudson Valley district, unexpectedly escalating tensions between the two representatives.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated a preference for both Lawler and Stefanik to remain in the House, describing them as trusted colleagues. However, recent exchanges have unveiled growing strains, particularly as Johnson works on reintegrating Stefanik into vital committees.
Some New York Republicans doubt the viability of either Lawler or Stefanik in a general election against Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, given the significant Democratic voter advantage in the state. As 2026 approaches, these internal party dynamics and the overarching political landscape promise to shape the upcoming gubernatorial race significantly.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
