In a move to potentially delay a special election and hinder President Trump's legislative agenda, Albany lawmakers are considering changes to New York state's election law. The proposed changes, discussed in secret meetings, would allow Governor Hochul to postpone special elections until the June primaries or even the November general election. This strategy appears targeted at the soon-to-be vacant seat of GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is expected to resign to become the US Ambassador to the United Nations. Republicans, already struggling with a razor-thin majority, are vehemently opposing the proposed changes, accusing Democrats of corruption and hypocrisy.
Albany lawmakers are devising a strategy to keep a crucial House seat vacant until June or even later, aiming to impede President Trump's legislative agenda. Lawmakers from both the state Assembly and Senate convened on Friday to deliberate changes to the state's election law. These proposed changes would empower the governor to postpone special elections, extending them until the June primaries or even the November general election.
While the late-night discussions ostensibly focused on streamlining elections and saving time and money by consolidating them into a single day, the true intent appears to target the soon-to-be vacated seat held by GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik. Stefanik, who is poised to become the US Ambassador to the United Nations, is expected to resign her position in the coming days. This vacancy will pose significant challenges for House Republicans, who are already grappling with maintaining a slender majority. Stefanik's district, situated in the deeply conservative north country, would almost certainly elect another Republican in a special election. Under the current law, upon Stefanik's official resignation, Governor Hochul is obligated to declare a special election within 10 days, with the election itself taking place 80 to 90 days afterwards. However, NY state law could be altered if Democrats choose to enact this change, effectively delaying special elections and pushing any pending ones until the June primaries. Governor Hochul has stated that she believes it's crucial to enhance voter turnout and reduce the expenses associated with election administration, indicating her support for legislation aimed at achieving these goals. This proposed election change has triggered outrage among Republicans, who hold a precarious 218-215 majority in the House – the smallest margin in a century. Rep. Nick Langworthy from western New York, a member of the GOP, labeled it 'corruption in the corruption of absolute power.' Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Rockland County) echoed these sentiments, characterizing it as 'an outrageous abuse of power' and exposing 'Democrats hypocrisy when it comes to 'protecting democracy.' He urged Governor Hochul to unequivocally state that this will not occur
ELECTION LAW SPECIAL ELECTION REPUBLICANS DEMOCRATS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRUMP AGENDA ELISE STEFANIK KATHY HOCHUL NEW YORK POLITICS
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