ALBANY — Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) plans to forgo a run for governor and will instead seek re-election to his Hudson Valley House seat, he confirmed to The Post early Wednesday.
Despite months of teasing a potential bid to unseat unpopular Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, Lawler confirmed he’ll instead focus on holding onto his battleground congressional seat.
“I’ve decided the right thing to do for me, my family and my district is to run for re-election,” Lawler said later on “Fox & Friends.”
Rep. Mike Lawler will instead focus on re-election. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Mike Lawler will not challenge NY Gov. Kathy Hochul in the next election. Hans Pennink“I’m proud to run for re-election on my record and win next November and keep the House Republican majority,” Lawler said.
Lawler has been a growing star among New York Republicans since the former assemblyman defeated powerful incumbent Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) in 2022. Lawler was the only New York Republican re-elected in 2024 — and won in a district also carried by Kamala Harris.
His decision not to run for state office follows a meeting with President Trump last week.
The Dems are still in chaos, especially as they deal with Zohran Mamdani’s Democratic nomination for New York City mayor, said Lawler, clearly bullish on Republicans’ chances at taking the governor’s mansion next year.
“You see Kathy Hochul, Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jeffries freaking out about the prospects of having a Marxist lead the financial capital of the world. They understand this is a disaster. Not only for Democrats, but for the country,” Lawler said.
Hochul, however, hit back, suggesting it was no surprise that Lawler wasn’t running.
Rep. Elise Stefanik said she would decide in November if she’ll challenge Kathy Hochul in the next governor’s race. Getty Images“Of course he doesn’t have the spine to face me,” Hochul piped up on X shortly after the New York Times first confirmed he was bowing out.
She later followed up with another post with Lawler’s name written on a post-it note affixed to a box of Milk Bone dog treats and calling the congressman “Donald Trump’s Good Boy.”
Asked later at an unrelated press event on Long Island Wednesday if she had any response to Lawler’s attack, Hochul mindbogglingly said, “I ignore him completely.”
Lawler’s bowing out clears the way for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who has also been maneuvering for the GOP nod to run for governor.
In a statement Wednesday, Stefanik said she would make a formal decision after November’s elections.
“I am grateful for the outpouring of support across our great state from Republicans, Independents, and Democrats who know it is our last best chance to Save New York,” Stefanik wrote.
