Though he had already declared his intention for another run at New York’s 27th Congressional district, Democrat Nate McMurray has now solidified his candidacy in wake of Collins' resignation.
McMurray appeared in front of the Robert H. Jackson Federal Courthouse in Buffalo Tuesday to restate his position.
McMurray challenged Collins in last November’s general election and narrowly lost his bid to unseat the Republican incumbent.
Even though Collins was re-elected, McMurray said the seat has been vacant for years as the area has lacked the representation the people of Western New York deserve.
The Grand Island Democrat said this time around, with both the truth and Collins out, he will continue to stand up against corruption, create jobs and fight for the issues important to the district.
With a host of supporters behind him, hoisting signs, McMurray said he expects that to continue based on the reaction since Collins’ resigned on Monday.
"The long Western New York nightmare is over today,” McMurray said. “In the last 24 hours, I've received incredible support. Amazing support. The amount of support - we can't even keep track of what's happening. It's an incredible amount. It's a tidal wave, really."
McMurray is also calling on Governor Andrew to declare a special election as soon as possible.
Earlier Tuesday Cuomo said a special election could not happen for at least 90 days.
The GOP declared candidates for Collins’ seat this time around include State Senators Chris Jacobs and Robb Ortt as well as former town justice out of Genesee County Beth Paralato. Possible candidates could include Erie County Comptroller Stephan Mychajliw and Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia.
Mychajliw has shown interest in the seat previously but has not yet thrown his hat into the ring.
The comptroller said it's a sad and disappointing time for the voters of New York's 27th District, but he believes it's time to look forward and focus on keeping the seat red.
Mychajliw has been campaigning but waiting to see whether Collins stayed in the seat and if he intended to run for re-election next year.
Now that Collins has resigned, Mychajliw said he wants to make sure a third millionaire named Chris isn't elected, referring to current Republican candidates Jabobs, Collins and former Rep. Chris Lee.
Mychajliw did support Collins in his run last year despite Collins’ indictment on federal insider trading charges.
"I was very public about my support for President Trump and trying to keep that seat red no matter who the candidate was going to be in 2018,” he said. “If you remember, Chris Collins had backed out and it appeared there was going to be a wide open process for whoever that candidate was going to be so I made a commitment to help out whoever was going to be on the ballot November of last year to make sure that seat stayed red for President Trump."
Mychajliw said a decision on his candidacy will come sooner rather than later.