Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) said during a cable news appearance Friday that he is nearing his decision on whether he will launch a gubernatorial bid to challenge New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).

“Are you running for governor of New York, yes or no?” CNN host Dana Bash asked Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District.

“As we are out of time — I will be making a decision in the next few weeks,” Lawler responded.

Lawler, who represents a battleground district in the House, previously said he would make a decision by June. He is not the only House GOP lawmaker seriously considering unseating Hochul, who was elected governor in November 2022.........

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