Governor 2026: US Reps. Mike Lawler (R), Ritchie Torres (D) Look Interested

Two reelected members of Congress who have been strongly supported by REALTORS® have both expressed interest in running for New York Governor in 2026:

US Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Rockland, Mt. Kisco) "said he’ll 'take a look at' running for governor, though he hasn’t made any final determinations. 'We lead the nation in outmigration. People cannot afford to live in New York. We have quality-of-life issues with the migrant crisis. Crime continues to be a major challenge. We have a housing shortage in New York, as we do across the country. And frankly, I think Gov. Hochul has been ineffective at best,'" Lawler told NPR.

US Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-South Bronx, Riverdale) called the strong Republican performance across his Bronx district a "vote of no confidence in the leadership of New York State, that's how I view it. We have a leadership crisis in America, and nowhere is it more profound than in New York," reported NY1/Spectrum News. "'I've made no final decision as to where my future lies, but I'm concerned about the crisis of governance we have in New York State and New York City," said Torres.