Now that Rep. Chris Collins has suspended his re-election campaign, stating he'll use his remaining time in office representing New York's 27th District to support Republican objectives and President Donald Trump, the names are coming forward.
More than 15 candidates have expressed interest, according to Erie County Republican Committee Chair Nick Langworthy, who said there are ways to get Collins' name off of the ballot.
Carl Paladino, a former gubernatorial candidate and former Buffalo Public Schools board member, tweeted "I'm all in," saying in an interview with Spectrum News that "I felt this need to make sure that Donald Trump has the New York 27th District on his side."
The Erie County Comptroller, Republican Stefan Mychailiw, was early to put his name forward, issuing a statement about an hour after Collins announcement.
On the ballot already is Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray, who has criss-crossed the heavily-leaning Republican district to blast Collins following the congressman's indictment.
Langworthy said Collins is a resident of several states, or he could potentially get nominated to run for another office; albeit unlikely he could spend any effort on winning while at the same time fighting charges of insider trading.
Collins' surprise Saturday morning announcement comes after a week where Collins was indicted, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud, then vowed to fight on.
Collins has been in Congress since his election win in 2012, and represented mostly suburban and rural Western New York and Finger Lakes communities outside of the cities of Buffalo and Rochester.