New York Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy in an interview Monday said he wanted Gov. Andrew Cuomo to call a special election to fill the House seat vacated by Chris Collins, who has resigned amid an expected guilty plea in his insider trading case.

Langworthy said the seat should be filled via special election so residents there do not lose out on representation for the next year.

Cuomo can either call a special election or leave the seat vacant for the next general election in November 2020.

The options, however, could work against Republicans.

A special election called in March would be held at the time of village government elections — a common money-saving tactic. But a special election called for April, lining up with the state’s Democratic presidential primary, could benefit a Democratic presidential candidate.

Cuomo may have little choice in calling a special election: In 2015, Rep. Michael Grimm pleaded guilty to tax evasion and, a month later, the governor was ordered by a federal judge to set a special election or explain why there was a delay. Cuomo later scheduled one for May 5.

Langworthy indicated he was surprised by the timing of Collins’s announcement that he would resign, saying he has not spoken much with Collins of late.

“No one really knows what’s going on with someone’s legal case,” he said. “I think the timing felt like it came out of left field.”

Nevertheless, Republicans feel well prepared to hold the district.

At the same time, Langworthy was bullish on the GOP retaining the district, which is heavily Republican and easily carried by President Trump in 2016.

“We held the seat in a very difficult year for Republicans with a candidate who was under indictment,” Langworthy said. “I think it’s fair to say this seat will stay red with a fresh face.”

Already, three candidates have filed to run: Sens. Robert Ortt and Chris Jacobs as well as attorney Beth Parlato. Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw and Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia are also considering a campaign.