Forgoing his own potential New York gubernatorial bid, Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., running for reelection in the House clears the way for Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to run for governor.

Lawler had called New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul the “worst governor in America,” but he will instead try to help House Republicans remain in the majority during the midterms, holding a swing-seat in deep-blue New York in what could be one of the priciest 2026 House races.

“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 reelection to the House and continue the important work I’ve been doing over the past 2½ years,” Lawler told The New York Times.

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