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Lawler Passes on New York Governor Race to Defend Swing House Seat

Lawler’s decision follows a White House meeting with President Trump, delivering Republicans a clearer path for Elise Stefanik’s bid for governor.

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FILE - U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler debates Mondaire Jones during the Congressional District 17 election hosted by News 12, Oct. 16, 2024, in Yonkers, NY. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman, File)
FILE — U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, of New York's 17th District, marches in the 2025 Israel Day Parade, on New York's Fifth Avenue, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
US Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) speaks to reporters as he arrives for a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on May 15, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Overview

  • Lawler announced July 23 on Fox & Friends that he will seek a third term in New York’s 17th District after months of weighing a gubernatorial run.
  • Top House Republicans and President Trump had urged the moderate congressman to stay in the House and protect the GOP’s razor-thin majority.
  • By foregoing a challenge to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Lawler removes a potential intraparty contest and intensifies speculation about Rep. Elise Stefanik’s next steps.
  • Democrats, including Gov. Hochul and State Party Chair Jay Jacobs, seized on his announcement to portray his choice as a retreat from a statewide contest.
  • Lawler now prepares to face a crowded Democratic field in his Hudson Valley district, one of three GOP-held seats carried by Kamala Harris in 2024 and a prime target for Democrats.