Trump backs Lawler’s re-election to House seat, spurring talk of Elise Stefanik for governor

President Trump issued an early endorsement of Republican Rep. Mike Lawler’s re-election next year for a battleground House swing district in the Hudson Valley.

Lawler, who represents the 17th District that covers Rockland and parts of Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties, is weighing a run for governor.

So is GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik, who represents the more conservative 21st district in the north country upstate.

Trump’s effusive early backing of Lawler — to stay put in the House — spurred speculation that it paves a path for Stefanik to get the GOP nomination for governor next year, sources said..

But GOP sources also said Trump — whose approval has sunk as he has reached the 100 day mark — is simply being mindful that Republicans got wiped out in the 2018 midterm elections during his prior term as president, and Lawler gives the GOP the best shot at keeping a purple seat.

“A true America First Patriot, Mike is fighting hard to Secure our Border, Grow our Economy, Create Jobs, Lower Taxes, Promote American Energy DOMINANCE, Support our Brave Military/Veterans and Law Enforcement, Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump said in a Truth Social post Tuesday night.

“Additionally, he is endlessly working to get the maximum SALT Deduction! Mike is doing an outstanding job representing the Hudson Valley, and all of New York. Because of the excellent job he is doing, Mike has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election to New York’s 17th Congressional District – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Trump also endorsed the re-election of GOP Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is on the ballot this fall. Blakeman is also mulling a run for governor.

Stefanik reposted Trump’s endorsement of Lawler on her own X account.

Lawler thanked Trump for his endorsement, but noted he will make a decision on whether to run for governor in the coming weeks.

“Congressman Lawler is grateful for the President’s support and appreciates his commitment towards addressing issues important to New York, including lifting the cap on SALT, combating antisemitism, securing the border, and growing the economy. As Congressman Lawler has said repeatedly, he will make a decision on running for Governor in June,” said Lawler spokesman Ciro Riccardi.

Trump has issued earlier endorsements for other House Republicans in swing districts across the country.

Lawler’s seat was previously held by a Democrat, ex-Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, and both the White House and House GOP believe proven vote getter Lawler gives the party the best shot at keeping the seat.

He would be seeking a third term.

“What’s important here is that the president wants Mike Lawler to run for a seat that is difficult to hold onto,” a GOP official said.

“It is easier for a Republican to hold onto Elise’s seat if she runs governor.”

Trump withdrew Stefanik’s nomination for US Ambassador to the United Nations in March over concerns about having enough Republican votes to pass his agenda.

Stefanik has since pivoted much of her attention on Albany, criticizing the state of affairs under Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The Hochul-led state Democratic Party issued a statement Wednesday night saying any Republican nominee will be saddled by Trump’s unpopular agenda in New York.

“Donald Trump has confirmed that the New York GOP primary for governor is all about him and his toxic agenda. No matter who stumbles out of the GOP primary, Trump’s meddling guarantees that any GOP nominee will be tied to his rising costs, his sinking economy, and his failed agenda – no matter how hard they try to run from it,” said New York State Democratic Party spokesperson  Addison Dick.