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Lawler, a Hudson Valley Republican who is exploring a bid to challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul, headlined the event held on June 22 at A.T. Walley and Co. Cayuga County Republican Chairman Nate VeVone hosted the private discussion, which was attended by state and county GOP committee leaders. Conservative Party leaders, including Cayuga County Conservative Party Chairman Dave Pappert, were also present.

VeVone is among the Republican leaders who would support Lawler if he decides to seek the party's gubernatorial nomination. He noted that Lawler represents the 17th Congressional District, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 81,000 voters. Despite that disadvantage, Lawler was elected to Congress in 2022 and won reelection in 2024.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Lawler defeated a Democratic incumbent for a state Assembly seat.

"With these odds, Lawler has already proven he can win where it matters," VeVone said. "He is battle-tested, and he knows how to build the broad coalitions New York needs."

In a statement, Lawler said he was honored to meet with the Republican and Conservative leaders in Auburn, as well as central and western New York.

"Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to get into the race for governor — I hear you loud and clear and am continuing to take a serious look at jumping in," he continued. "A decision will be made in the coming weeks, but it's clear that New Yorkers across our great state are fired up and ready to fire Kathy Hochul, the worst governor in America."

Republicans view 2026 as their best chance to win a statewide election for the first time since 2002, when George Pataki won his third term as governor.

A Siena College poll released in May found more voters (46%) have an unfavorable view of Hochul, whose favorability was at 44%. While half of New Yorkers gave her positive job approval marks, 55% of voters said they prefer someone other than Hochul for governor in 2026.

Lawler isn't the only Republican who is considering a run for governor. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has served in House Republican leadership and represents a North Country district, is exploring a gubernatorial campaign. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has been mentioned as a possible GOP candidate for governor.

According to the Siena poll, Republican voters say they would support Stefanik (35%) over Lawler (22%) and Blakeman (11%). But 30% of GOP voters are undecided.

Stefanik would be a formidable candidate, especially in the Republican primary. She has close ties to President Donald Trump and is a prodigious fundraiser.

VeVone and others who are supporting Lawler believe he would be best positioned to win in the general election. They highlight his record in Congress — he is viewed as a moderate who has been willing to work with Democrats on legislation — and his ability to win in Democratic-friendly districts.

"New York deserves a governor with proven success in forging consensus — someone who hears every constituent and delivers results," VeVone said. "We believe Mike Lawler would be that candidate. New York is ready for change."

Hochul, who became governor after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's resignation in 2021 and was elected to a four-year term in 2022, is seeking reelection, but will face at least one challenger in the Democratic primary. Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado is running for governor. He announced in February that he would not be Hochul's running mate in 2026 and launched his gubernatorial campaign four weeks ago.