Lawler nixes run for governor

After months of speculation, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) has decided against running for governor and instead, will seek re-election to Congress in 2026.

Lawler’s announcement Wednesday morning came minutes after House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik issued a statement saying in part, “Mike Lawler is a great, effective, and hardworking Representative for New York’s 17th Congressional District and is committed to protecting the House Republican Majority.”

Stefanik, a former Congresswoman from New York, has long been rumored to be considering a run for the governor’s seat next year.