Overview
- Lawler formally backed Stefanik at a Rockland County event, shifting from onetime potential rival to public supporter.
- Lawler had ended his own bid in July after President Trump urged him to seek House reelection and had withheld any endorsement until now.
- Stefanik framed her campaign around affordability, public safety and cost‑of‑living concerns, reiterating attacks on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s record.
- Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he is still exploring a gubernatorial run despite the latest show of party support for Stefanik.
- Democrats criticized the endorsement and Stefanik’s candidacy, with Hochul labeling her too extreme and the state party invoking her comments about Zohran Mamdani, which she defended.