Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York has opted to run for re-election in his crucial House district rather than pursue the gubernatorial bid, a decision influenced by his meeting with President Donald Trump. Lawler, who had been seriously considering a run for New York State governor, has chosen to focus on his congressional campaign, stating that the best path forward is to continue his work in the House. This decision has been well-received by top House Republicans and the White House, who are working to maintain their slim majority in the 2026 midterms. Lawler’s choice is seen as a strategic move that keeps a key Republican in Congress, which is critical for advancing the party’s agenda.
Lawler’s decision to stay in Congress has significant implications for New York politics. By choosing not to run for governor, he removes a potential rival for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, which could have provided an alternative candidate to challenge Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. This decision also affects the balance of power in the House, where Democrats are targeting Lawler’s district in the midterms as they aim to retake the majority. The absence of a strong GOP gubernatorial contender may give the Democrats an advantage, as they are already under pressure to defend Hochul’s administration.
Lawler’s choice has drawn criticism from Democratic officials, who argue that his decision reflects a lack of courage and independence. New York State Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs stated that Lawler’s decision to back down from the governorship proves he is too weak to take on Hochul, and that New York voters will reject him regardless of where his name appears on the ballot. Similarly, the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) spokesperson Kevin Donohoe mocked the situation, suggesting that Trump has effectively handed the GOP gubernatorial nomination to Elise Stefanik, a top Trump ally. Hochul herself took to social media to criticize Lawler, highlighting his past actions and suggesting his recent decision is consistent with previous behavior.
Despite the criticism, Lawler’s decision to remain in Congress is viewed as a win for the Republican Party, which has been struggling to maintain its House majority. Lawler, a former political strategist, has already made a name for himself by defeating a Democratic incumbent in 2020 and then narrowly defeating Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney in the 2022 midterms. His continued presence in Congress is seen as vital for the party’s efforts to counter the Democrats’ growing influence in New York. As the midterms approach, the outcome in Lawler’s district will be a key indicator of the state’s political direction and the strength of the Republican Party’s position in a crucial battleground state.