The GOP is strategizing the best way to keep Trump’s agenda moving forward. They don’t want to slow down at all.
And a top Republican made a massive announcement live on Fox News that could change everything.
Mike Lawler Chooses Congressional Re-Election Over Gubernatorial Run in New York
Republican Representative Mike Lawler has decided to seek re-election in 2026 for his House seat in New York’s 17th Congressional District, a critical battleground spanning much of New York City’s northern suburbs. Revealed during a Wednesday morning appearance on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends,” Lawler’s announcement follows months of weighing a potential campaign for New York State governor.
“There’s no question Kathy Hochul is the worst governor in America,” Lawler told host Brian Kilmeade, stressing the urgency of defeating Hochul in 2026. Yet, he concluded, “In 2026, she needs to be defeated. But after months of deliberating over this and really working through it, I’ve decided the right thing to do for me and my family and my district is to run for re-election.”
The decision is a boost for congressional Republicans and the White House, who are working to preserve their narrow House majority in the upcoming midterms. Lawler’s choice was shaped by conversations with key Republican leaders and President Donald Trump, with whom he met last week at the White House to discuss his plans for 2026, per Fox News.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Lawler said, “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.”
Serving the Hudson Valley has been the greatest honor of my life, and I'm proud of the wins I’ve delivered for New York and the American people. From delivering historic tax relief, raising the SALT cap, securing our border, and strengthening our national security and America’s… pic.twitter.com/yfB7trXzd1
— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) July 23, 2025
As one of only three House Republicans representing districts won by Vice President Kamala Harris in the last presidential election, Lawler’s seat is a prime target for Democrats aiming to flip the House. His decision to stay in Congress complicates their strategy, as a gubernatorial run would have likely eased their path to claiming the district.
A gubernatorial bid would have pitted Lawler against Representative Elise Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally from northern New York, in a competitive GOP primary.
Stefanik, who is preparing her own challenge against Hochul, welcomed Lawler’s decision, stating that Republicans are “more unified than ever in our mission to fire the Worst Governor in America Kathy Hochul in 2026,” and called Lawler a “great, effective, and hardworking Representative for New York’s 17th Congressional District.”
She emphasized her focus on supporting local Republican candidates this November before finalizing her 2026 plans.
Trump’s May endorsement of Lawler’s congressional re-election signaled potential support for Stefanik’s gubernatorial ambitions, given her district’s stronger Republican tilt. Lawler, a former political strategist, first rose to prominence by defeating a Democratic incumbent in the 2020 New York State Assembly election.
His 2022 midterm upset over Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, then-chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, cemented his reputation as a rising star.
Democrats were quick to attack Lawler’s decision. New York State Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs stated, “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,” predicting voter rejection “no matter where his name shows up on the ballot.”
Kevin Donohoe of the Democratic Governors Association remarked, “Donald Trump has officially k*lled 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.”
Governor Hochul herself posted on X, writing, “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,” referencing Medicaid reforms in Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
With the 2026 midterms looming, Lawler’s commitment to his congressional seat sets up an intense fight in New York’s 17th District, as both parties brace for a pivotal election.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
