As contenders put their hat into the ring and rumors continue to swirl in regard to the 27th Congressional District election in 2020, one candidate rumored to make a run at it is staying pat.
“Not once,” said Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul when asked if she had thought about running. “I’ve been asked multiple times. I’m flattered by the interest.”
Speaking with reporters at a ribbon cutting in North Tonawanda Tuesday, Hochul says the district is looking for real leadership. Chris Collins is the current representative of the 27th. He was indicted last August on charges of insider trading and lying to federal prosecutors. Despite the charges hanging over him, he was still able to defeat Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray last November.
Since his victory, Collins has made very few media appearances and has been mum on a run in 2020. Hochul believes Collins district deserves better leadership in 2020.
“They’re looking for someone who is actually on the ground and cares deeply about the people there,” she said. “I’ll be watching very closely to see what happens.”
Recent Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia is being courted to run against Collins, and State Senator Chris Jacobs has said he will run against Collins in 2020. Both Bellavia and Jacobs are Republicans. McMurray has yet to announce if he is running.
