Republican leaders are urging Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) to reconsider his potential run for governor of New York, citing concerns over the vulnerability of his battleground House seat. Lawler, who has not made a final decision, represents one of the few GOP districts that President Biden won in 2020. GOP officials fear losing this seat could jeopardize their narrow majority in the House, with key figures like Rep. Richard Hudson expressing his preference for Lawler to remain in Congress.
Lawler, who secured re-election by nearly 6 percentage points in a competitive race, is seen by many Republicans as crucial to maintaining the party’s foothold in the Hudson Valley. His decision will be made by June and is considered vital for the GOP’s strategic planning. Additionally, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is also contemplating a gubernatorial run, leading to potential intra-party conflicts.
Both Lawler and Stefanik’s ambitions could shake up the party’s dynamics in New York. Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated he would prefer both stay in their current roles to strengthen the GOP’s position, adding to the tension with Stefanik, especially after a failed U.N. ambassadorship nomination.
Polling shows voters’ preferences for a governor remain complex, with Democrats needing to gain just three seats to control the House again. Analysts note it would be challenging for either Lawler or Stefanik to win statewide, given New York’s demographics favor Democrats. A Republican source noted the difficulties both could face, emphasizing the state’s overwhelming Democratic majority.
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