Rep. Mike Lawler Abandons 2026 N.Y. Governor Bid, Will Seek House Re-election

Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican who represents New York’s 17th District in the Hudson Valley, said on 23 July he will seek a third term in the U.S. House of Representatives instead of entering the 2026 race for New York governor. The decision, first reported by the New York Times and confirmed in a television appearance, ends months of speculation about whether the 38-year-old would mount a statewide campaign against Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul. Lawler faced mounting pressure from President Donald Trump and House GOP leaders to defend his swing-seat as Republicans prepare to protect a razor-thin majority in 2026. By stepping aside from the governor’s contest, he removes a potential primary obstacle for fellow Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, who has been actively exploring a run for the Executive Mansion and is viewed as a close Trump ally. The Hudson Valley district is expected to be one of the most closely watched House battlegrounds; seven Democrats have already filed to challenge Lawler and have collectively raised millions of dollars. Lawler, who flipped the seat in 2022 and defended it in 2024, said he will campaign on his record of securing changes to the state-and-local tax deduction and other district priorities.