By DOUG LA ROCQUE
NYVT Media
GRANVILLE–It’s often said politics makes strange bedfellows, but when it comes to running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, it can sometimes make for a strange set of circumstances under which one may seek that political office.
Last week President-elect Donald Trump announced he has chosen 21st District representative Elise Stefanik to become his ambassador to the United Nations. That means the five-term Republican, who was just re-elected earlier this month, must step down as a member of Congress. That will trigger a special election that takes place under a unique set of rules.
First, from the day Rep. Stefanik actually tenders her resignation, Gov. Kathy Hochul has 10 days to set a date for that contest, which must take place within 70 to 80 days. That means the election might happen sometime in April. It is unlike a typical election in that there will not be a primary for the nomination from any party. Instead, the county party chairs will pick a candidate, ostensibly because of the short time frame involved.
Several names have come forth as possible selections on the Republican side of the ledger. State Senator Dan Stec’s name is among them. Senator Stec resides in Queensbury and his district covers a large portion of the 21st congressional map. Another state senator’s name that has come forth is Mark Walczyk, a Watertown native whose district also encompasses a large segment of Stefanik’s current representative area.
Watertown, however, under the most recent redistricting, is no longer a part of the 21st District. So, does that mean that Senator Walczyk, if he should wish to seek the congressional seat, is out of the running? The answer is a resounding no.
Under federal law, a person wishing to stand for election to Congress must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States for seven years or more and reside in the state the congressional district is in. He or she need not live within a particular district, nor be required to move there if elected. Congressional records indicate there are 25 members of Congress who live outside their representative areas, primarily because of redistricting, which is required every 10 years.
Some other names that have been suggested are interested in Rep. Stefanik’s seat are Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin and Schoharie Assemblyman Chris Tague (R-102nd). Mr. McLaughlin, a Schodack resident, currently resides in the 21st, but again, because of redistricting, will be a resident of the 19th Congressional district come January 1. Mr. Tague is and will continue to be a resident of the 21st District.
To be precise, neither Mr. Stec, Mr. Walczyk nor Mr. McLaughlin have publicly stated they wish to become a candidate to replace Rep. Stefanik. Assemblymen Tague has indicated some interest.
This would be the end of the story if it were not politics. According to a well-placed source within the Republican Party, another name has surfaced. That of current 19th district representative Marc Molinaro who lost his re-election bid to Josh Riley. Rep. Molinaro, a Catskill resident, is considered to be a close confidant of Rep. Stefanik, and who Rep. Stefanik strongly supported for re-election.
It is also said within these political circles, Ms. Stefanik, if she so wishes, will have a considerable say in who the Republicans choose as their candidate to replace her. Again, Mr. Molinaro has not publicly indicated he is interested in the open seat and Ms. Stefanik has not made mention of anyone she would like to see as her replacement.
There is also the other side of the fence. Democrat Paula Collins, who recently moved into the district in Canton (St. Lawrence County), and who challenged Rep. Stefanik in the most recent election, has indicated she would again like her party’s nomination. Rep. Stefanik defeated Collins by a nearly two to one margin.
