New York state Democratic lawmakers last week introduced a new bill that would delay special elections until November, instead of the current 90-day period after vacancies are declared.

The legislation comes as the United States Senate prepares to confirm New York GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik, who would likely be replaced by a Republican, as Ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik was nominated for the position last year, but her departure will narrow the GOP's tight majority in the lower chamber until her replacement is elected.

New York Democrats claimed the reason they introduced the bill is because of the current costs of holding special elections.

“Right now, New Yorkers are facing unprecedented challenges including the strain on our democracy and our high cost of living,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in a statement. "At a time when people need our government to work more efficiently, this legislation is a common-sense approach that saves taxpayer dollars while maximizing voter turnout."

The legislation is supported by Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who claimed the bill would give candidates who are not already well known, more time to build up support. 

“I’ll tell you what a very short time frame does: It favors people who are already elected officials versus a citizen who wants to run because there’s a lot involved in this,” Hochul said. “So you’re actually denying more opportunities for people to run who don’t already hold elected office.”

The current system requires Hochul to call a special election within 10 days of Stefanik's resignation, and the election is then required to happen within 70 to 80 days.

New York Republicans slammed the move as an "attempt to rig the system" and accused the party of trying to delay giving voters a chance to be heard. 

“The radical Democrats in Albany just dropped a corrupt, backroom disastrous bill on a Friday night because that’s what power-hungry politicians do when they’re trying to silence the people and rig the system in their favor,” Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said. “This disgraceful move will deny over 750,000 New Yorkers their voice for months, all because Democrats are terrified of losing power and will do anything to stop President Trump from putting America first." 

New York GOP state Rep. Dan Stec is considered an early frontrunner to replace Stefanik. Stec announced his bid last year. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.