Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated he’s “having conversations” about subsequent yr’s election for New York governor as two of his members — Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) — eye bids for the seat.
Lawler has lengthy been teasing a run for governor, dropping hints previously yr that he seemingly will bounce into the 2026 race. Stefanik, in the meantime, has lately been floated as one other candidate after she withdrew her nomination to function U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. She is alleged to be contemplating a run.
Requested on Tuesday if he’s having conversations with Stefanik and Lawler about their potential bids and what one of the best path ahead for the Home GOP convention can be, Johnson stated discussions are ongoing however wouldn’t supply any particulars.
“We’ve got a very talented group here,” Johnson stated at a press convention. “We have lots of House Republicans who are being courted to run for Senate or governor or do something big. I mean, my preference is that they all stay here with me, we get the job done. But I don’t begrudge anybody for having other opportunities, and we ultimately support them in whatever they do.”
“But are we having conversations? We are, yeah, and that’s all I’m going to say about it,” he added.” However in the end look, I assist my pals and — these are greater than colleagues, they’re pals — and I need all of my pals to do properly and go as excessive as they will, be of their highest and greatest use to the nation, so we’ll see the way it shakes out.”
Shortly after the press convention, nevertheless, Stefanik stated she has not spoken to Johnson in regards to the governor’s race, shifting the dialog to the struggle to extend the state and native tax (SALT) dedication that is occurring as a part of negotiations for the GOP’s Trump agenda invoice.
“This is not true,” Stefanik wrote on the social platform X in response to a publish about Johnson speaking to her and Lawler. “I have had no conversations with the Speaker regarding the Governor’s race. Looking forward to the conversation about SALT with NY Members tomorrow. Stay tuned.”
Johnson clarified his feedback in remarks to reporters later Tuesday, saying he has not spoken to her in regards to the gubernatorial race.
“I just talked to her. Elise is one of my closest friends, we haven’t specifically talked about her running for governor,” Johnson stated. “We heard about all these other things, and she’s coming in to visit with me, and it’s all good.”
The Republican main for New York governor may develop contentious if Stefanik and Lawler each determine to run. A ballot carried out by GrayHouse discovered that Stefanik has a commanding lead over Lawler amongst GOP main voters, 44 % to 7 %. Nassau County Government Bruce Blakeman secured 5 % assist. The margin of error is 5 proportion factors.
If Stefanik or Lawler find yourself coming into the race and successful the GOP main, there can be repercussions for the Home GOP convention for the reason that gubernatorial candidate can’t additionally run for re-election for his or her seat within the decrease chamber. Lawler is among the most susceptible Home Republicans, sitting as considered one of three GOP lawmakers to characterize a district former Vice President Kamala Harris gained in 2024: New York’s seventeenth Congressional District.
Stefanik’s seat, in the meantime, is a extra protected seat, although some Republicans had been nervous in regards to the occasion’s particular election prospects if she had left the Home to imagine the U.N. ambassador publish.
Up to date at 1:01 p.m. EDT
