If Lawler runs, these two Republicans could seek his seat

And Ritchie Torres, who said last year he might challenge Hochul, has had a change of heart.

Good afternoon — it’s Wednesday and UFO Day.

In today’s CapCon:

• If U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler runs for governor, Republicans will need a new nominee for NY-17. These two said they would consider it.

• A familiar Democrat announced Wednesday that she’ll challenge U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney in 2026.

• U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres is no longer gunning for the governorship, he says.

• A bill that Hochul will consider this year that would change how hospitals are closed has new context amid federal spending cuts.

• Hochul will consider bills to change alcohol sales at for-profit clubs, bolster protections for children and help property tax bills for military members.

Names in today’s CapCon: Mike Lawler, Elise Stefanik, Robert Smullen, Claudia Tenney, Ritchie Torres, Jo Anne Simon, Gustavo Rivera, Ken Raske, Al Stirpe, Mike Gianaris, Sean Ryan, Karen McMahon, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Steven Stern

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There’s a lot to watch in politics. This section gives you a quick look at news on elections that might interest you.

Rep. Mike Lawler (Tony Adamis/Special to Times Union)

☑️ Which Republicans would run to replace Lawler?

The problem with two members of Congress considering a run for governor next year is that, regardless of which one runs, their successor has to be selected.

As you know, the two members considering a challenge against Gov. Kathy Hochul are Rep. Mike Lawler and Rep. Elise Stefanik, both Republicans who’ve already made their mark in Congress.

They’re both favorites of the Republican Party in New York, which would make a primary between the pair particularly perilous. It’s like choosing your favorite child.

But a decision that would be equally as difficult is choosing which Republican would replace them to run as the nominee in their district.

A handful of potential candidates has already lined up to succeed Stefanik, including Assemblyman Robert Smullen, as the Times Union’s Lucy Hodgman recently reported.

Smullen, and other Republicans, were ready to jump in the race earlier this year when Stefanik was nominated to be the next ambassador to the United Nations. When that nomination was pulled, they stepped back.

Stefanik then began to express interest in running against Hochul and has since laid the groundwork for a campaign.

Lawler has not decided if he’ll enter the fray — but some Republicans have already started to discuss who would run to replace him if that happens.

There’s one Republican in the state Legislature who’s been seriously discussed as a potential nominee, and another whose name has come up more than once since it became clear that Lawler could be headed for the exit.

I spoke with both of them Wednesday to see how they would feel about jumping in.