Could Mike Lawler become New York's next Republican governor?

From his seat in Washington, recently re-elected congressmember Mike Lawler hasn’t been afraid to weigh in on state-level decisions that directly affect New Yorkers – like asking President-elect Donald Trump to kill congestion pricing.  While Gov. Hochul lags in the polls and Democrats struggle to connect with voters on issues like affordability and immigration, Lawler has his eye on higher office. And after handily winning in a blue-leaning suburban district, Lawler has positioned himself as a leading candidate for the Republican nod for governor in 2026.