If NY-21 becomes vacant, Assemblymember Smullen would like to be considered

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has yet to say if she’s running for Governor. However, if she does decide to run, one assemblyman would like to be considered for her Congressional district.

While there is currently not a Republican gubernatorial candidate, Assemblyman Robert Smullen said if Congresswoman Elise Stefanik does run for governor, he’d be interested in representing the North Country down in Washington. 

"I’m not saying I’m running for Congress if Elise Stefanik is running for Governor," said Smullen. "But what I am saying is I’d like people to give me careful consideration and to be able to know that I’m interested in that, if that were to be the case."

Earlier this year, Stefanik was chosen by President Trump to become U.N. Ambassador. While she ended up staying in Congress, there were a handful of Republicans, including Smullen, interested in her seat.

At a press conference at the New York State Capitol a couple weeks ago, Stefanik told reporters she will decide in the coming months if she will be running for governor. She recently spoke about it with Sean Hannity on Fox News. 

"Absolutely I’m thinking about it," Stefanik told Hannity. "We are getting encouragement all across the state."

On the Democratic side, Governor Kathy Hochul has already said she will be seeking re-election. She will be challenged by her current Lieutenant Governor, Antonio Delgado in a primary next year.