Rep. Mike Lawler’s (R-N.Y.) decision to forgo a New York gubernatorial run has cleared a path for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) to mount her own candidacy, teeing up what will be one of the most watched governor’s races next year.

Rep. Mike Lawler says he will run for reelection in New York's 17th Congressional District in the 2026 midterms, forgoing a bid for governor.

New York Rep. Mike Lawler will run for reelection next year rather than try to become the state’s first Republican governor in two decades, giving the GOP a boost as it seeks to hold on to his blue-leaning Hudson Valley seat.