A special election for the vacant congressional seat in western New York could be filled “sooner rather than later” in a special election, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday in a radio interview.

“Western New York deserves a seat. We have a lot going on in western New York — a lot of good things going on,” Cuomo said, noting the area needs federal representation for his plan to remove the Skyway. “I would be inclined to fill the vacancy sooner rather than later.”

Rep. Chris Collins is expected to enter a guilty plea in his insider trading case and resigned his seat on Tuesday.

Cuomo may have little choice but to call a special election. A 2015 court case involving the seat vacated by Republican Michael Grimm led him to call a special election for that district.

Republican senators Robert Ortt and Chris Jacobs as well as attorney Beth Parlato have filed to run as has Democrat Nate McMurray.

Republicans Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw and Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia are also considering campaigns.

Cuomo, meanwhile, once again suggested Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul would be a great candidate for the seat, which she lost to Collins in 2012. Hochul has said she does not want to run and Cuomo in the interview added he preferred she remain lieutenant governor.

“She is great. She can do anything,” Cuomo said. “She has been phenomenal as a lieutenant governor. Whatever she wants to do I’d be supportive of her.”