Rep. Mike Lawler is forgoing a high-profile bid for New York governor and will instead seek a third term in Congress, he confirmed Wednesday.
Lawler Bows Out of Governor’s Race
The Hudson Valley Republican, whose seat is among the most hotly contested in the country, told Fox & Friends that while he believes Gov. Kathy Hochul is “the worst governor in America,” he has decided that “the right thing to do for me and my family and my district is to run for reelection.”
His decision, first reported by The New York Times, clears a path for Rep. Elise Stefanik, a close Trump ally, to likely claim the GOP nomination in 2026 without a primary challenge from Lawler. Stefanik praised Lawler as “a great, effective and hardworking” lawmaker and said she would decide on a gubernatorial run after the November elections.
Lawler, a moderate who has cultivated a reputation as a media-savvy and pragmatic figure, was once considered one of the Republicans’ strongest prospects for statewide office. But recent polling showed Stefanik with a sizable edge over both Lawler and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in a hypothetical primary.
GOP Priorities and Trump’s Endorsement
Lawler’s district, which President Joe Biden won narrowly in 2020, has become a top priority for Democrats as they seek to flip the House. At least seven Democrats are running to unseat him. Lawler emphasized the importance of defending the seat, saying, “My seat was determinative of control of the House back in 2022 and again in 2024.”
President Donald Trump gave Lawler an early endorsement for reelection in May, calling him a “True America First Patriot” on Truth Social. Lawler downplayed suggestions that Trump influenced his decision not to run for governor, telling POLITICO, “Ultimately, my decision is going to be my decision.”
Democrats Quickly Respond
Democrats wasted no time in framing Lawler’s move as weakness. “Mike Lawler caving to Donald Trump before his campaign even starts proves he’s too weak to take on Governor Hochul — and he knows it,” said State Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs.
Gov. Hochul also took a jab at Lawler, posting, “This is the same Mike Lawler who caved to Trump the minute he asked to rip away New Yorkers’ health care.” She added that he “doesn’t have the spine to face me.”
Hochul, who has middling approval ratings but strong financial backing, is sitting on $17.5 million in campaign funds. Meanwhile, Lawler enters his reelection race with a $2.2 million war chest and the full attention of both parties heading into 2024.
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