While the Erie County Executive race is officially more than a year away, the political landscape in Western New York is already beginning to shift. Though the Democratic primary isn’t scheduled for another 15 months, key players are already engaging in what political insiders describe as a “soft launch” for their 2027 campaigns.
Recent activity across the region suggests that Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick and Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera are positioning themselves as frontrunners for the seat. Both figures have increased their public visibility, signaling their intent to lead the county’s next chapter.
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Kevin Hardwick’s Strategic Roadmap
Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick has been increasingly transparent about his future aspirations. In recent discussions regarding the county’s fiscal health, Hardwick addressed the speculation surrounding his interest in the executive office.
“I’m always open to talking about future plans,” Hardwick noted. “People think that I’m going to be running for County Executive next year, and I’m not denying that I’m very interested in it, but I’m certainly not prepared to make any formal announcement at this time.”
Hardwick’s potential platform appears to be taking shape through his recent legislative proposals. He has advocated for utilizing county surplus funds to provide direct aid to the cities of Buffalo, Lackawanna, and Tonawanda. His pitch also includes aggressive funding for road infrastructure projects and bolstering the county’s rainy-day fund—three initiatives that analysts view as the foundational pillars of a future campaign. “I’m not going to pretend I’m not thinking about it, because I certainly am,” Hardwick added.
Lisa Chimera’s Growing Profile
On the other side of the Democratic aisle, Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera has significantly expanded her presence in the media and at community events. While she continues to serve alongside County Executive Mark Poloncarz, her increased role in representing the administration suggests a transition toward a solo leadership bid.
Evidence of a formalizing campaign is mounting, as the “Friends of Lisa Chimera” organization is planning a major fundraiser this May. With sponsorship tiers ranging from $500 to $2,500, the event marks a significant step in building the financial war chest necessary for a county-wide race.
In a statement regarding her potential candidacy, Chimera emphasized her long history of public service. “As a former Town of Tonawanda Board Member, teacher, Erie County Legislator, and now as Deputy County Executive, I’ve always been committed to working every day to improve the lives of our children, working families, and seniors,” she said. While acknowledging the 2027 race, she maintained that her current focus remains on her duties in the Poloncarz administration, connecting with residents to hear how the county can continue to improve lives across Erie County.
The Republican Field: A Deep Bench of Potential Contenders
The Republican Party is also monitoring the 2027 cycle closely. While no formal “soft launches” have been declared, GOP sources indicate a deep bench of experienced local leaders considering a run. From former federal representatives to current local supervisors, the potential Republican primary field is diverse.
The following table outlines the key figures currently being discussed within Western New York political circles as potential GOP candidates:
| Potential Candidate | Current or Notable Former Role | Political Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Jacobs | Former U.S. Representative | Private Citizen; remains a major GOP figure. |
| Ed Rath | Former Erie County Legislator | Running for his former 6th District seat in 2025. |
| Gary Dickson | West Seneca Town Supervisor | Currently challenging Pat Burke for the 142nd Assembly District. |
| Frank Todaro | Erie County Legislator | Active in county-level policy and GOP leadership. |
| Lindsey Lorigo | Erie County Legislator | Strong voice for conservative fiscal policy in the legislature. |
| Mickey Kearns | Erie County Clerk | Proven cross-party appeal in county-wide elections. |
Among the names mentioned, Gary Dickson is currently focused on unseating Democrat Pat Burke in the NYS Assembly, yet his name continues to be floated for the executive office. Chris Jacobs has remained largely out of the public eye since leaving Congress in 2022, but his name recognition remains a significant asset for the party. Meanwhile, Ed Rath is looking to return to local government via the County Legislature, a move many see as a potential stepping stone for 2027.
As these potential candidates begin to test the waters, the Lake Erie Times will continue to provide in-depth analysis and impartial coverage of the developments shaping the future of Erie County government.
This report was compiled by William Strasmore. For more in-depth coverage of Western New York politics, visit our Politics section.
