Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - WBEN has confirmed that Republican New York State Senator Chris Jacobs will run for Congress in the 27th District in 2020, challenging indicted incumbent Chris Collins should he choose to seek re-election.
"I don't know, you'll have to ask Mr. Collins," Jacobs said when asked if he anticipated running against the incumbent.
Jacobs though did seem prepared to take on Collins if necessary.
"He's not serving on commitees. Commitees are critically important. If you're not serving on commitees, are you really able to effectively represent your district? I think it's tme we get a full Congressman who's able to do all those things."
Collins was indicted on federal charges related to insider trading last year. Despite that, he narrowly defeated Democrat Nate McMurray in his 2018 Congressional election. Collins is scheduled to face trial beginning in February of 2020.
Jacobs told WBEN he supports President Trump and his agenda, focusing on trade with China and Mexico as an issue he hopes to campaign on.