NY Republicans Eye Leadership Change After Election Losses

Following a significant defeat in the recent midterm elections, members of the New York Republican Party are reportedly seeking to replace State Party Chairman Ed Cox. Sources suggest that outgoing Rep. Mike Lawler, who recently lost his reelection bid, is being considered as a potential successor.

The sentiment among some Republicans is that Cox, who has led the state party for extended periods since 2009, should step down. "I think a lot of people really want Ed Cox’s head," one New York GOP insider told The Post. "There’s already movement behind the scenes with the conservatives to get rid of him."

Cox, 80, has overseen the state party during a time of Democratic dominance in New York, with the party failing to win a statewide office since former GOP Gov. George Pataki left office in 2006. This trend continued Tuesday, with Gov. Kathy Hochul defeating GOP challenger Bruce Blakeman by a wide margin.

District 21’s newly elected Republican, Anthony Constantino, publicly called for Cox's removal on social media, writing, "Fire Ed Cox!" He also characterized the state Republican establishment as "a group of scammers."

Rep. Elise Stefanik also indicated a need for significant change, stating the state party "needs to be built from scratch" with "significant change in structure and leadership."

As Cox faces pressure, the name of Rep. Mike Lawler has emerged as a possible replacement. Lawler, 40, who served as a congressman for District 17 since 2023, also previously led the Rockland County GOP and worked as executive director of the state Republican party. Stefanik commented that Lawler "would be absolutely fantastic" as party chair.

Despite the calls for his ouster, Cox has stated he does not intend to resign. "No. I’m not stepping down," Cox told The Post. "We have a lot of work to do. We got a lot of talent in the party."

Businessman John Catsimatidis urged against panic, emphasizing Cox's fundraising capabilities, while acknowledging the need for operational support. The selection of a new party chair by the Republican Committee is not scheduled until September 2007, but Cox could face pressure to resign if he loses broad support.

Erie GOP Chair Michael Kracker acknowledged the need for introspection following the midterm results but expressed reservations about internal party conflict. Other potential successors mentioned include Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.