Senator Chris Jacobs‘ announcement that he intends to primary Rep. Chris Collins in the Republican Party primary contest in the 27th congressional district is creating a frenzy of speculation and posturing from prospective candidates on both sides of the aisle in that pivotal district.
Nearly all operatives agree: the Republicans will be unable to retake control of the State Senate ahead of redistricting in 2021 without winning in the 60th district. The situation is nothing short of an existential crisis for the Grand Old Party, and with a relatively thin bench, a marquee candidate may be hard to find.
Jacobs has earned the appreciation of some Republican operatives who note that he was willing to make this announcement at a date early enough for a prospective candidate to move into the district ahead of this year’s primary in order to meet the one-year residency requirement.
Former County Executive Joel Giambra, Grand Island Councilman Mike Madigan, Tonawanda Treasurer Joe Hogenkamp, and Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino are names commonly floated in political circles — but none have any plans of running.
Among Democrats, the primary is likely to be fierce and crowded. It’s rumored that several politicos are privately considering the contest, including Deputy County Executive Maria Whyte, attorney Peter Reese, former City Housing Commissioner Joe Mascia, Kenmore Mayor Patrick Mang, Riverside Councilman Joe Golombek, Grand Island Supervisor Nate McMurray, and businessman Eddie Egriu.
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