Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is set to vacate her seat to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, triggering a special election process in New York's 21st Congressional District. Once Stefanik resigns, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has a 10-day window to schedule the special election, which must then be held within 70 to 80 days.
Several potential candidates are being considered to succeed Stefanik, including Republicans like state Sen. Dan Stec, state Assemblymen Robert Smullen and Christopher Tague, and Rensselaer County Executive Steven McLaughlin. On the Democratic side, Assemblyman Billy Jones and past challengers Matt Castelli and Paula Collins are among the possible contenders.
