NY-GOV: Speaker Johnson 'having conversations' as Stefanik, Lawler eye runs for NY governor

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he is “having conversations” about next year’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 long been teasing a run for governor, dropping hints in the past year that he likely will jump into the 2026 race. Stefanik, meanwhile, has recently been floated as another candidate after she withdrew her nomination to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. She is said to be considering a run.

Asked on Tuesday if he is having conversations with Stefanik and Lawler about their potential bids and what the best path forward for the House GOP conference would be, Johnson said discussions are ongoing but would not offer any details.

“We’ve got a very talented group here,” Johnson said at a press conference. “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.”



https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5273002-johnson-lawler-stefanik-new-york-governor/