Gibson Forms Committee

To Explore Governor Race

Otsego County’s congressman, U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-19, this morning filed with the state Board of Elections to form “Gibson for New York,” an exploratory committee to run for governor in 2018.

The news was reported on nytimes.com last evening, followed by an official announcement this morning.

Gibson’s interest in challenging Gov. Andrew Cuomo next year surfaced when he announced, as he was sworn in for a third term in Congress last January, that he would not run again.

The formation of this exploratory committee comes after a year of travel around New York State, attending events in 41 of New York’s 62 counties in the last year, according to today’s announcement.

Here is Gibson’s statement that accompanied this morning’s announcement:

“My first priority, as it’s been since the day I was first sworn into office in January 2011, is serving my constituents. When I began this term, I pledged to them I would finish strong as their representative, and I continue to deliver on that promise.  In the last year alone, we’ve made progress on protecting our national security and domestic priorities, and we’ve led efforts to help veterans, improve our infrastructure, shift education decisions away from Washington and back to parents and teachers, and improve access to and affordability of healthcare.  We will continue to advance constituent-driven legislation throughout 2016.

“In addition to serving my constituents, I’ve followed through on my commitment to help our NY State GOP become more competitive in local and statewide races.  I’ve invested time raising money, walking doors, helping candidates, and inspiring voters throughout the state.  This work continues so that we can lay the groundwork for electoral victories in 2016, 2017 and in 2018.”

“My travels have made clear that people across this state – from every political perspective – are looking for a new leader in Albany.  My family and I deeply appreciate the encouragement and support of so many.  I will make the final decision on running for Governor after my congressional term ends.  But today we’re taking the first step in formalizing this possibility.  Our exploratory committee will allow us to raise the money we need to compete and win.

“I believe our state can rally around four points: growing the economy through meaningful tax cuts and policy changes, achieving excellence in education by returning power to parents, students and teachers, cleaning up corruption and restoring our faith in our ability to be self-governing, and protecting our freedoms while improving on the safety and security of all New Yorkers.

“For too long, Governor Cuomo has led with fear, intimidation and bullying.  New York has been embarrassed by corruption and lags behind in too many important categories.  We can do better.  We’re the Empire State for a reason.  And with the right leadership, we can live up to our nickname once again.”