Republican Lawmakers Condemn New York Democrats’ Plans for Special Election Delay

FIRST ON FOX: Tensions are mounting within New York’s congressional delegation as Republican lawmakers react strongly to reports suggesting that Democratic leaders could potentially manipulate legislative processes to postpone the special election aimed at filling the vacancy left by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.

Republican Fury Over Alleged Maneuvering

The six GOP representatives have made clear their intent to enlist the assistance of the Department of Justice (DOJ) if state Democrats engage in actions that contravene federal law. Their move comes in light of proposals that appear aimed at extending the time before a special election is held, a strategy they assert is a blatant attempt to undermine Republican representation in Congress.

In a pointed letter spearheaded by Representatives Mike Lawler and Nick Langworthy, the lawmakers expressed their outrage, stating, “Your clear attempt at playing political games to limit Republican numbers in the House of Representatives is overreaching, corrupt, and undemocratic.” The letter further warned state officials to “cease any and all such attempts to change this law,” while indicating that the DOJ would be put on alert regarding what they called a “conspiratorial, corrupt act” that threatens the constitutional rights of citizens.

Bipartisan Support Against Election Delays

The letter garnered additional support from Republican Congress members Nicole Malliotakis, Nick LaLota, Andrew Garbarino, and Claudia Tenney. Their stance reflects not only intra-party solidarity but aligns with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s declaration on “Fox & Friends,” where he labeled the situation as “open political corruption by state officials in New York.” Johnson criticized the Democrats’ potential actions as a move to disenfranchise the over 750,000 residents of New York’s 21st Congressional District, stating it’s “unconscionable.”

According to a report by the New York Post, New York lawmakers convened last week to consider a rules change that could leave Stefanik’s seat vacant until at least June, primarily as she has been nominated to serve as President Donald Trump’s U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, an appointment expected to pass easily through Senate confirmation.

Implications of Delayed Elections

The timing of Stefanik’s confirmation—likely to occur “as early as this week”—raises concerns among Republican representatives about the representation of New York’s 21st Congressional District. With the House currently operating under a razor-thin GOP majority, the absence of representation from this deep-red district is seen as critical for legislative decisions, particularly as Republican dissent could lead to potential obstacles without bipartisan support.

Contrastingly, in Florida, where a similar situation arose after Rep. Mike Waltz’s departure, Governor Ron DeSantis swiftly set special elections for April. The silence from New York Governor Kathy Hochul regarding the scheduling of Stefanik’s replacement has raised eyebrows among Republicans.

Under existing state law, Hochul is required to call a special election within ten days of Stefanik’s resignation, with elections to take place within a window of 70 to 80 days following that call. However, the proposed changes could consolidate the special election with the June primary, which GOP lawmakers argue is merely an excuse to postpone electoral accountability under the guise of saving resources and promoting fairness.

Accusations of Power Abuse

The letter emphasized that the alleged effort to adjust the special election timeline is a profound abuse of power, equating the moves to electoral processes observed in authoritarian regimes. The signing GOP lawmakers highlighted a critical point: “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.”

Furthermore, they argued that delaying the election is not just undemocratic, but fundamentally unconstitutional. In their communication, they made reference to established clauses in the Constitution regarding filling House vacancies and the precedents set forth by the Supreme Court.

The representatives pointed out a precedent from a 2009 New York State Court of Appeals ruling, which stated that special elections must occur in the “shortest space of time reasonably possible.” They concluded the letter by arguing that the citizens of New York’s 21st District are constitutionally entitled to representation and urged the state leaders to refrain from what they described as a “shameful scheme” to disenfranchise over 750,000 New Yorkers.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

The situation in New York highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal political dynamics, as the future of the 21st Congressional District hangs in the balance. Fox News Digital has reached out to Governor Hochul’s office, in addition to the offices of New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, seeking responses regarding the unfolding situation as both sides brace for what could be a contentious battle over election protocols.

As the legislative session continues, the implications of these reported actions by state Democrats will be closely scrutinized, with potential ramifications extending beyond New York and impacting the broader political landscape across the United States.