Kathy Hochul celebrates Mike Lawler ruling out gubernatorial bid
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized Republican Congressman Mike Lawler after he announced he would not run for governor in the upcoming election, choosing instead to seek reelection to his congressional seat in 2026. Hochul accused Lawler of lacking the courage to challenge her and mocked him on social media, highlighting his past support for former president Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce New Yorkers’ healthcare protections. She also posted a sarcastic photo of dog treats labeled “A treat for Donald Trump’s Good Boy,” aimed at Lawler. Currently, Hochul leads the early field in the New York gubernatorial race despite some voters wanting an alternative candidate. Lawler is noted for his involvement in the SALT caucus, which helped increase the cap on state and local tax deductions.
Kathy Hochul celebrates Mike Lawler ruling out gubernatorial bid
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) said Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) “doesn’t have the spine” to challenge her for the governor’s seat.
Lawler announced Wednesday he has no plans to run for New York governor and will instead run for reelection in 2026. Hochul took to X the same day to mock the Republican representative.
“This is the same Mike Lawler who caved to Trump the minute he asked to rip away New Yorkers’ health care,” Hochul wrote. “Of course he doesn’t have the spine to face me.”
Later, Hochul shared a photo of dog treats. A note on the box read: “To: Mike Lawler.”
“A treat for Donald Trump’s Good Boy,” Hochul wrote.
HOCHUL LEADS EARLY FIELD IN NEW YORK GUBERNATORIAL RACE DESPITE MAJORITY WANTING ‘SOMEONE ELSE’
At the moment, Republicans in the House hold the majority, with 219 seats, while Democratic members hold 212. There are four vacancies, three of which were left by the deaths of Reps. Sylvester Turner, Raul Grijalva, and Gerry Connolly.
Lawler was part of the SALT caucus, which quadrupled the cap on state and local tax deductions to $40,000 in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The cap will phase out after five years.
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