New York Republicans Warn Democratic Leaders Over Special Election Delays for Stefanik’s Seat

New York Republicans Warn Democratic Leaders Over Special Election Delays for Stefanik’s Seat

FIRST ON FOX: Tensions are rising among Republicans in New York’s congressional delegation regarding reports that state Democratic leaders are exploring legislative avenues to delay the special election intended to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.

Six GOP lawmakers have indicated their intent to escalate the matter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) should the reported maneuver conflict with federal law.

Republican Reps. Demand Action

In a joint letter spearheaded by Reps. Mike Lawler and Nick Langworthy, the lawmakers expressed their dissatisfaction with the perceived political strategy. The letter reads, “Your clear attempt at playing political games to limit Republican numbers in the House of Representatives is overreaching, corrupt, and undemocratic.” They demanded an immediate cessation of all attempts to alter the election law.

This communication was also endorsed by Reps. Nicole Malliotakis, Nick LaLota, Andrew Garbarino, and Claudia Tenney. Their call for action has garnered support from House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who described the situation as “open political corruption by state officials in New York” during a recent appearance on “Fox & Friends”.

Impact on New York’s 21st District

Speaker Johnson emphasized the significant implications of the delay, stating, “They’re going to try to disenfranchise over 750,000 New Yorkers who live in that 21st District. It’s unconscionable.” Discussions among New York lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly last week revolved around a potential rules change that could leave Stefanik’s seat vacant until at least June.

Stefanik has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and is expected to receive swift Senate confirmation. Her departure, coupled with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s exit, positions the House GOP majority at a razor-thin edge, creating a challenging legislative environment.

Possible Legislative Maneuvers

The letter highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that Stefanik could be confirmed “as early as this week,” which would result in constituents of New York’s 21st Congressional District lacking representation in the House until a replacement is appointed.

This deep-red district is anticipated to remain under Republican control. In contrast, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida quickly scheduled special elections for April. Yet, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has remained noticeably silent, increasing concerns among GOP lawmakers.

Current state law mandates that the governor must call for a special election within 10 days following Stefanik’s resignation, with a further 70 to 80 days for the election to occur. The proposed rule change would aim to coincide the special election date with the June primary, purportedly to conserve resources.

Accusations of Power Abuse

The GOP lawmakers rebutted these motives, asserting, “Your claims that you’re doing this to be cost-effective or to promote equity are laughable and will do nothing more than leave every New Yorker in the 21st District without representation in the House for additional months.” They characterized the proposed change as a serious misuse of power that resembles election processes seen in authoritarian regimes.

Furthermore, they argued that any delay would contravene the Constitution’s stipulations regarding filling House vacancies and existing Supreme Court precedence.

“Any delay or postponement in calling a special election to fill a vacancy in the House of Representatives is not just undemocratic but unconstitutional as well,” they stated. The letter drew on a 2009 New York State Court of Appeals ruling emphasizing that special elections to fill vacancies should take place within the “shortest space of time reasonably possible.”

Urgent Call for Representation

The GOP representatives concluded, “The citizens of New York’s 21st Congressional District are constitutionally entitled to representation in the House, and it is our hope that these reports lack a basis in reality. If not, we strongly urge you to abandon this absurd, shameful scheme to deny representation for over 750,000 New Yorkers and adhere to current state election laws.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to Gov. Hochul’s office, along with the offices of New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for comments on the issue.