The search for a successor to Rep. Elise Stefanik in Congress has begun as her nomination for U.N. ambassador by President-elect Donald Trump stirs speculation. While Gov. Kathy Hochul must formally set the stage by calling a special election once Stefanik resigns, local party leaders are already weighing candidates.
Assemblymember Chris Tague has emerged as a potential Republican contender, noting his commitment to rural New York. Democrat Paula Collins, who lost to Stefanik by 80,000 votes, also expressed interest in running, emphasizing continuity for Democratic efforts in the district.
Election law dictates that party nominees will be chosen by county committees, with both Republican and Democratic leaders coordinating to evaluate options. Other possible candidates include Rep. Marc Molinaro, State Senator Dan Stec, and Assemblymember Billy Jones.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.