Rep. Chris Jacobs will not be running for Congress

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – Republican Congressman Chris Jacobs announced Friday he will not seek election in the newly-formed 23rd Congressional Distirct.

Jacobs is representative for the current the 27th district. Jacobs said he will serve out his term through the end of the year.

Jacobs received heavy party criticism recently for his announcement that he would support some gun control measures.

"If you stray from a party position, you are annhilitated. For the Reppublicans, it became pretty apparent to me over the last week that issue is gun control…any gun control."

The State Conservative Party Chairman, Gerard Kassar, was quick to issue a statement:

“The New York State Conservative Party thanks Congressman Chris Jacobs for his long service to the people of New York State. We were perplexed, however, by his recent stance on Second Amendment rights, a position well outside the mainstream of the Republican Party, the Conservative Party, and the voters of NY 23. We agree that it’s the best interest of all three — and of Congressman Jacobs himself — that he forgoes a run for reelection and returns to civilian life. We wish him only the best in his future endeavors.”

Jacobs was elected in 2020 and began serving in January of 2021.