Bombastic businessman Carl Paladino admitted Wednesday that he had lost an ugly Republican primary in upstate New York’s 23rd Congressional District to onetime ally and current state GOP chairman Nick Langworthy — a contest that had caused a deep rift among New York Republicans.
“It is time to move onto the next chapter of my life,” said Paladino, 76, the GOP nominee for governor in 2010. “I am forever grateful for this community. I will always advocate for Western New York.”
Nick Langworthy gained 24,275 votes in the Tuesday primary compared to 22,283 for Paladino. Dennis A. ClarkOne of Paladino’s staunchest supporters was powerful Rep. Elise Stefanik, chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, while much of the GOP establishment backed Langworthy.
Stefanik threw her weight behind Paladino despite a history of racist and bigoted remarks — even enlisting her staffers to work on the campaign.
Langworthy claimed the falling out with Stefanik was ignited after he moved quickly to rally support behind Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin’s candidacy for governor –ending Stefanik’s potential bid to challenge Democratic Kathy Hochul before it could even get started.
But Stefanik’s camp had denied that was the case in a previous interview with The Post. “If Elise wanted to run for Governor, she would have run for Governor. And she would never have had to lower herself to ask Nick Langworthy for permission. That’s for the voters to decide,” Stefanik adviser Alex deGrasse said in June, adding she was happy serving in her current role.
“We won the battle. You’ll have to ask Congresswoman Stefanik about that,” Langworthy campaign adviser Chris Grant said when asked whether Stefanik had offered congratulations.
On her Twitter feed, Stefanik congratulated nine other victorious New York Republican primary candidates — including Michael Lawler in the 17th Congressional District and Rep. Claudia Tenney in the 24th Congressional District — but not Langworthy.
The congresswoman, through a spokesman, declined to comment on Langworthy’s victory.
Carl Paladino accepted his defeat and is ready to start a new chapter of his life. Shawna Stanley for NY Post
Rep. Elise Stefanik heavily supported Paladino even with his history of racist remarks. Bonnie Cash/UPI/ShutterstockLangworthy received 24,275 votes in the Tuesday primary compared to 22,283 for Paladino. He will be the favorite to win the general election against Democrat Max Della Pia in what is considered one of the state’s most conservative districts covering the Buffalo suburbs and the Southern Tier.
If he wins the seat, Langworthy has said he will step down as state GOP chairman in January.
