It is still unclear who will replace Rep. Elise Stefanik in Congress, because the lawmaker is yet to officially resign from her seat.
Stefanik has been representing New York’s 21st congressional district in the House of Representatives since 2015. She is a Donald Trump loyalist who was nominated by the president to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during his second term.
The Senate Foreign Relations committee has already approved Stefanik’s nomination last month.
However, her nomination remains on ice as Republicans look to protect their razor thin majority in the House especially as they try to advance Trump’s agenda through Congress without any Democratic support.
Until Stefanik officially resigns from the House, the campaign to replace her is unofficial but still both parties are readying their candidates. County committees from each party will meet to select their nominees.
Republican side
Assemblyman Christopher Tague has emerged as the preferred potential candidate to be Republican nominee who will replace Elise Stefanik in Congress, according to Spectrum News.
Other Republican contenders include former Assembly member and current Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin; Sen. Dan Stec, R-Queensbury; Matt Doheny of Watertown; and Liz Joy from Schenectady.
Democratic side
Democratic county chairs has selected Lisbon dairy farmer Blake Gendebien as their choice to replace Stefanik.
“Gendebien, owner and President of Twin Mill Farms in Lisbon, New York since 2002 as well as Vice-Chairman of Agri-Mark Dairy Cooperative covering New York and New England, brings an authentic voice that will fight for sensible solutions to the challenges affecting NY-21 and this nation” the county chairs said in a statement. “As a husband, father, farmer, small business owner and former school board member, Blake will fight to lower costs and secure our borders. An outsider to the political arena, Blake Gendebien embodies the voice and grit that distinguishes this district.”
The seat has been a Republican stronghold since 2014, but was previously represented by former Democratic Rep. Bill Owens.
Once Stefanik resigns, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) will have 10 days to schedule a special election to be held within another 70 to 80 days.
