A New York GOP assemblyman on Thursday launched his 2026 campaign for the House seat that will be vacated by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as she runs for governor.

Robert Smullen is the first Republican to enter the race for Stefanik’s seat.

“For too long, Washington has forgotten the people of Upstate New York,” he said in a statement. “As a Marine and a public servant, I’ve dedicated my life to defending our freedoms, fighting for our communities, and putting people before politics. It’s time to send a servant leader to Washington who will always put Upstate First.”

First elected in 2018, Smullen currently represents New York’s 118th Assembly District. He previously led three combat tours in Afghanistan while serving in the United States Marine Corps for 24 years and helped shape defense strategy at the Pentagon.

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Tagged: Elections BACK TO HOMEPAGE