In addition to potentially facing Blakeman, Stefanik stands to contend against Rep. Mike Lawler, a suburban New York City moderate who is considered by many Republicans to be the most competitive candidate to take on Hochul. A Siena College poll last month showed Stefanik is the early frontrunner with Republican voters over Lawler and Blakeman.

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) announced her new PAC, “Save New York,” in a bid to shore up local New York Republican races as she approaches a decision on whether to run for governor of the state. The move is another from Stefanik that indicates she is seriously considering running against Gov.