DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 43
PRIMARY COLORS: In a meeting five years ago, Republican Assemblymember Robert Smullen confronted Rep. Elise Stefanik with a surprising announcement: his intention to challenge her in a GOP primary. This meeting, previously undisclosed, took place in July 2021, according to two sources familiar with the conversation who requested anonymity.
Despite this declaration, Smullen did not pursue a primary challenge against Stefanik and later denied any plans to run against her. “I’ve never planned to primary Elise Stefanik,” he stated. “I have too much respect for her, her leadership, and the job she has done fighting for NY-21 and Upstate New York.”
The conversation occurred during a period when Republican House members in predominantly Democratic New York were preparing for a potentially difficult redistricting process. Smullen’s threat to challenge Stefanik was partly due to concerns that her home might be excluded from the North Country district she has represented since 2015.
“To have the audacity to do that — to not read the room, but also not read the polling,” one source commented. “By the end of the meeting, he was set straight.”
This meeting came not long after Stefanik succeeded Liz Cheney as the Republican House conference chair, following Cheney’s vocal criticism of President Donald Trump. Stefanik had established herself as a significant Trump ally.
Over the years, Smullen has consistently supported Stefanik’s campaigns financially, contributing thousands of dollars between 2020 and 2024. He often appeared at events with Stefanik, such as an October 2022 fundraiser for his Assembly reelection campaign and a subsequent rally.
“I have known Elise personally for years, supported and donated to her campaigns, and appreciated her support for me during my own races,” Smullen said. “Like many elected officials and political allies, we have had discussions about the future and the importance of maintaining strong Republican representation for this district. That is very different from the narrative POLITICO is trying to create.”
He further expressed disappointment that his opponent and their team were attempting to involve Elise in a primary she’s clearly avoiding, allowing voters to decide independently.
Smullen also shared that Stefanik provided comfort to his family during a difficult time when his son was hospitalized and later passed away after a car accident.
“During the toughest time in my family’s life, Elise was there for us while my son AJ was in the hospital and after we lost him. Those aren’t the actions of people involved in some fabricated political feud,” Smullen stated. “I am focused on gaining the support of voters across NY-21 and advocating for the conservative values that unite Republicans across Upstate New York.”
Smullen is now campaigning for the House seat that Stefanik is leaving this year, facing off against Republican Anthony Constantino, who has received an endorsement from Trump for the June 23 primary.
Stefanik has not endorsed any candidate in the race to replace her, but her endorsement is highly sought after by both Republican contenders.
Having represented the House district for a decade, Stefanik has cultivated a strong base of supporters and closely aligned herself with the president’s MAGA movement.
Stefanik decided not to seek reelection following a brief consideration of a gubernatorial run.
Her decision to step down has sparked a fierce Republican primary to replace her in a strongly Republican district that Trump has won three times.
Constantino, CEO of the merchandise and printing company Sticker Mule, has secured support from Trump allies like political operative Roger Stone, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and retired Gen. Michael Flynn.
However, his campaign has caused a rift among Republicans in New York.
In April, the New York Republican Committee formally endorsed Smullen, a rare move by the party’s statewide leadership in a GOP primary. — Nick Reisman
FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
HOCHUL FILMS VIDEO FOR LASHER: Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rep. Jerry Nadler, Assemblymember Micah Lasher, and political strategist Morris Katz visited a bagel shop together.
This wasn’t the start of a joke but rather what took place on Tuesday at Tal Bagels on 90th and Broadway.
These officials were seen filming a campaign video for Lasher’s congressional bid, according to two Playbook sources and a third individual who confirmed the events. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Council Member Gale Brewer were also present.
Lasher is running for the Manhattan seat currently held by Nadler, his former boss, and had already secured an endorsement from Hochul last month, who is also his former boss.
The upcoming video signifies an unusual level of involvement for Hochul in the race.
In the 2024 Democratic primaries, Hochul had maintained a no-primary-endorsements policy, despite privately fundraising for some candidates. Now, she’s appearing in Katzian videos for Lasher’s competitive primary against Assemblymember Alex Bores, Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg, and anti-Trump commentator George Conway.
The gathering also highlights a sort of truce in the political consulting world. In the intense contest in neighboring NY-10, Katz’s Fight Agency supports former city comptroller Brad Lander’s primary challenge against Rep. Dan Goldman, whose campaign is driven by consultants Haley Scott and Mark Guma.
Both Guma and Scott are working on Lasher’s campaign, and now Katz is officially a partner.
Behind the scenes, Katz, a key strategist for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s campaign, has been actively supporting Lasher. In February, POLITICO reported that Katz was reaching out to progressives to rally support for Lasher, introducing himself as “Morris Katz with the mayor” during calls.
Lasher spokesperson Caroline Crowell celebrated the collaboration with rival consultants at the bagel event.
“Team Lasher is thrilled to welcome Fight Agency to our team that includes powerhouses Mark Guma and Haley Scott,” Crowell said. “We can’t wait for you to see what we’ve been creating. Stay tuned!” — Jason Beeferman and Irie Sentner
RELATED: It’s uncertain if Mamdani will enter the primary for Nadler’s seat, as there have been no significant indications. However, in an interview with the New York Editorial Board, Bores expressed a desire for the mayor’s endorsement.
“I haven’t discussed an endorsement with him,” Bores stated, adding that he would “welcome his endorsement, just like any voter’s endorsement in the district.”
“That’s a little lukewarm,” journalist Ben Smith observed.
“Given the chance to ask, yes, I would love to have his endorsement, but I don’t expect him to get involved in this race,” Bores continued, often mentioning his basketball ties with Mamdani in Albany.
Bores has attracted notable progressive endorsements, including from Our Revolution, the group founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
At a recent synagogue forum, both Bores and Lasher were questioned about their support for Mamdani in the general election; neither expressed regret, but both qualified their support for the mayor, who has faced criticism from some Jewish voters. NY-12 has a significant Jewish community. — Madison Fernandez
From the Capitol
CLOCK’S TICKING: Despite unresolved budget discussions, the state Capitol is beginning to exhibit post-budget sentiments.
“This is later than usual,” Assemblymember David Weprin said regarding this year’s spending plan. “We delayed regular bills because we anticipated a timely budget. Once that seemed unlikely, we resumed regular legislative work.”
The focus among advocates near the Legislature’s chambers is shifting from last-minute budget requests to standalone bills. Weprin joined former Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to advocate for more insurance coverage for stuttering. Other groups have pushed for data center bans, herbicide restrictions, and new gun safe regulations.
Meanwhile, both legislative houses are spending their sessions handling dense agendas.
“Would I have wanted to be at this point in session?” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins remarked while unveiling a consumer protection package. “No, I would hope for an on-time budget, allowing us to address our priorities sooner. But it hasn’t hindered our focus on important issues.”
Time is running out — even if the budget concludes next week, only eight session days remain. “We’re just going to run out of time,” Assemblymember Anna Kelles commented.
Despite legislative leaders insisting that June 4 will remain the final day, talks of overtime are emerging.
“I think we’ll have a special session after our session ends before the year concludes to address pending bills,” Weprin predicted. — Bill Mahoney
FROM THE DELEGATION
BELTWAY VITRIOL: Rep. Mike Lawler condemned antisemitic insults directed at him by William Paul, the son of Sen. Rand Paul, as “reprehensible” and “fucking disgusting.”
NOTUS reported on Wednesday that the younger Paul “confronted Lawler about Rep. Thomas Massie’s GOP primary election in Kentucky next week” and suggested that if Massie loses, it would be due to “your people,” followed by “you Jews.”
Speaking to reporters in Washington, Lawler recounted that Paul “went on a roughly 10-minute diatribe about Israel and Jews, blaming them for various issues, playing into typical antisemitic tropes.”
Lawler is not Jewish, but his district, located just north of New York City, has a substantial Jewish population.
“This reflects a broader societal issue,” he said. “It’s what we’re witnessing among young people and online. This is the level of hatred and vitriol that some of my Jewish colleagues and many of my constituents experience.”
Paul responded to the incident in an X post, admitting he “had too much to drink and said things that don’t represent who I truly am. I’m sorry, and today I’m seeking help for my drinking problem.” — Madison Fernandez
IN OTHER NEWS
— WALDEN IN THE WATERS: A group of affluent donors has raised over $1 million to oppose Mamdani’s agenda. (The New York Times)
—COURTSIDE CONGESTION: The Knicks’ playoff run may clash with World Cup transit restrictions, potentially causing major commuting challenges at Penn Station. (Gothamist)
—MAYOR TAKES AIM: Mamdani is pressing state regulators to block Western Union’s $500 million merger with Intermex, cautioning that it could increase costs for immigrant New Yorkers. (Semafor)
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