Trump Ally Announces Governor Run
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), a rising Republican star and strong Trump ally, says he’s preparing to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss launching a bold challenge for New York governor — a move that could shake up the 2026 race and put Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul on defense.
Speaking on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” Lawler emphasized the urgent need to defeat what he called “the most incompetent governor in America,” slamming Hochul for skyrocketing crime, crushing taxes, and driving New York families out of the state.
“I’ll be sitting down with President Trump very soon to talk about the best path forward for New York,” Lawler said. “Whether it’s me or Elise Stefanik, we need to be united behind one mission: firing Kathy Hochul.”
Lawler’s possible candidacy sets up a high-stakes scenario, as Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is also preparing a campaign. Both lawmakers are close to President Trump, and both have earned strong grassroots support across upstate and suburban areas.
Lawler made it clear: he has no interest in a GOP civil war. “Time, money, and energy wasted in a Republican primary is time we’re not spending defeating the Democrats,” he warned. “The focus must stay on saving New York.”
President Trump already endorsed Lawler’s re-election to Congress earlier this year — a move that many believe could foreshadow his blessing in a potential governor’s race.
Lawler, who holds a key swing district, noted the importance of his seat to keeping the Republican majority in the House. “I represent one of only three GOP districts carried by Kamala Harris. I understand how vital my role is.”
Still, he didn’t back away from bigger ambitions.
“But I also know how desperately New York needs real leadership. Kathy Hochul has failed on every level — crime, immigration, the economy. She’s run this state into the ground,” Lawler said. “We can’t afford another four years of her disastrous rule.”
With 2026 on the horizon, all eyes are now on President Trump — and which Republican he will rally behind to finally take back New York.
