Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, during a news conference at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. (Tierney L. Cross)
"While I fundamentally believe I am best positioned to take on Kathy Hochul and offer New Yorkers a real choice for Governor, I have made the decision to run for re-election to the House and continue the important work I’ve been doing over the past two and a half years," Lawler shared in a statement with Fox News Digital Wednesday morning.
Lawler, who represents New York's 17th Congressional District, is currently one of only three House Republicans who represent seats carried by then-Vice President Kamala Harris in last year's presidential election.
Democrats are targeting his district in the midterms as they aim to retake the House majority. Their job in flipping the seat would have been made easier if Lawler had decided to run for governor.
TRUMP ALLY STEFANIK SIGNALS RUN FOR NEW YORK GOVERNOR
If he had run for governor, Lawler would likely have faced off for the GOP nomination against Rep. Elise Stefanik, who represents a district in northern New York. Stefanik, who is a top House Trump ally, is gearing up for her own campaign against Hochul, who Republicans consider vulnerable.
Stefanik released a statement Wednesday morning as the news broke, calling Republicans "more unified than ever in our mission to fire the Worst Governor in America Kathy Hochul in 2026" and Lawler a "great, effective, and hardworking Representative for New York’s 17th Congressional District."
"As I have previously stated, I am focused on supporting strong Republican local and county candidates on the ballot this November to lay the groundwork with a strong team for next year. I will make a final decision and announcement after this year’s November election which we are all focused on," Stefanik added.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks at a press conference in Manhattan in New York City, Feb. 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)
Democrats, who are both targeting his district and defending their New York governorship, were quick to criticize Lawler's decision Wednesday morning.
"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," New York State Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs said in a statement, arguing New York voters will reject Lawler "no matter where his name shows up on the ballot."
And Democratic Governors Association (DGA) spokesperson, Kevin Donohoe, trolled Lawler on Wednesday morning, "Donald Trump has officially killed Mike Lawler’s dream of becoming governor of New York and given the GOP gubernatorial nomination to his top D.C. ally Elise Stefanik. Our condolences."
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Hochul herself chimed in, writing on X, "This is the same Mike Lawler who caved to Trump the minute he asked to rip away New Yorkers’ healthcare. Of course he doesn’t have the spine to face me," in reference to Medicaid reform included in Trump's "big, beautiful bill."
Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in the swing state of New Hampshire. He covers the campaign trail from coast to coast."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/after-meeting-trump-republican-key-house-battleground-announces-major-decision-fox-friends