Chris Jacobs

Statement from Republican candidate Chris Jacobs on NY-27 District special election:

“My foremost concern is the health and safety of all New Yorkers in this difficult time," said NY-27 District Republican candidate Chris Jacobs about the upcoming special election.

"As we continue to deal with this national challenge, I urge everyone to stay safe and follow all the recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will meet this challenge as we always have. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.”

Press release:

State Senator and Republican nominee for Congress Chris Jacobs is urging the suspension of State Sales Tax collection for small businesses for three months to provide financial relief to small businesses hurt as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic.

“Small business is the backbone of our economy and community in Western New York, and throughout the state and therefore I am asking the Governor to suspend sales tax collection so that businesses can use this capital to cover costs and employee paychecks as we weather this crisis,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs is asking New Yorkers to sign his petition calling on the sales tax suspension. Supporters can sign the petition to Governor Cuomo online at https://action.jacobs4congress.com/cuomo-small-business/

“While businesses are closed down, or observing only delivery or takeout options, they are still accumulating costs for the operation of their business,” Jacobs said. “By removing the sales tax burden we can help our small businesses through this economic hardship and ensure they survive to help us rebuild our economy.

“As a small businessman, I understand all too well the tough road lies ahead for our business owners and employees and in Congress, the economic viability of Western New York’s small businesses and their employees will be my first priority."

Press release:

 Chris Jacobs, candidate for Congress (NY-27), has filed more than 7,600 Republican signatures, easily qualifying him for the June 2020 primary and subsequent November General Election, despite the petition gathering window being drastically shortened.

“I first want to thank every single one of the hundreds of supporters who went out to carry my petitions and worked very hard to bring in thousands for our campaign,” Jacobs said. “This process, gathering signatures in February when the snow is blowing is always a difficult task, but this year it became increasingly difficult given the shortened window.

“Our team, in coordination with the Republican County Chairs and their Town Committees, have worked tirelessly to accomplish this feat, and we are ready to bring home big victories for President Trump and our candidates in November."

Press release:

A new television ad released by the Jacobs Campaign today will highlight President Trump’s endorsement of Chris Jacobs for his support for securing our borders.

In his endorsement of Jacobs, the President stated, “Chris will be a great Congressman who will always fight for the people of New York. He supports our MAGA Agenda and will continue to secure our Border.”

“In a time where democrats like Bernie Sanders and Nate McMurray support open borders and sanctuary cities, I am focused on Americans’ safety," Jacobs said. "I’ve been to the southern border and have been briefed by our great Border Patrol Agents. I have seen firsthand the problems we are facing as a nation, and in Congress I plan to work with our President to continue securing the border."

Jacobs toured the Rio Grande Valley in October of 2019 and received extensive briefings from Border Patrol Agents stationed in the area. He participated in a tour of the Southern Border and toured three different detention facilities.

The Jacobs ad will air on broadcast and cable stations in the Buffalo and Rochester markets.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley announced today that he has endorsed Sen. Chris Jacobs in the April 28 Special Election for U.S. Congress. Jacobs is running to serve the remainder of former Rep. Chris Collins’ term representing New York’s 27th Congressional District.

The district spans from the suburbs of Buffalo through the Finger Lakes and Canandaigua with Hawley’s hometown of Batavia sitting at the heart of the district.

“I am wholeheartedly endorsing Senator Jacobs to serve as our next Congressman,” Hawley said. “In an era highlighted by radical ideals and attacks on our values, we need a strong leader and proven legislator who will stand up for our beliefs here in Western New York.

"Senator Jacobs is a successful businessman with a proven track record of creating jobs and giving back to his neighbors philanthropically. I endorse Senator Jacobs in the April Special Election and am confident he will serve with honor and dignity as our next Congressman.”

UPDATE: The Chris Jacobs campaign also put out a press release that contained this statement:

“I am beyond honored and grateful to receive Assemblyman Hawley’s endorsement," Jacobs said. "It has been an honor serving beside him in the State Legislature and he has been a true conservative fighter for the people of Western New York.

"With his endorsement, I feel confident that we can usher in a new era of prosperity in our region and send strong conservative leadership to Washington."

Press release:

President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of Republican Chris Jacobs is highlighted in a new radio ad, which will begin airing across the 27th district today (Feb. 24).

President Trump endorsed Jacobs on Tuesday saying, “Chris Jacobs will be a great Congressman who will always fight for the people of New York.”

“I’m grateful for the President’s endorsement and trust,” Jacobs said. “As Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Nate McMurray attempt to drag this country toward socialism, I’m proud to stand with President Trump in the fight to put America first, secure our borders, grow our economy and honor our veterans.”

The ad:

MAN: Who does President Donald Trump support for Congress?

WOMAN: Chris Jacobs.

MAN: Why did President Trump endorse Chris Jacobs?

WOMAN: Because Chris Jacobs will have Trump’s back in Congress.

MAN: Chris Jacobs will vote every time to help President Trump finish building the wall that will secure our southern border.

WOMAN: Chris Jacobs will be on the Trump team in the fight to hold sanctuary cities that hide illegals from federal law enforcement accountable.  

MAN: Chris Jacobs will fight side by side with President Trump to drain the swamp, secure the border and keep our economy growing.

WOMAN: It’s no wonder that President Trump gave Chris Jacobs his complete endorsement, tweeting that Jacobs supports our Make America Great Again agenda.

MAN: President Trump said Jacobs “will continue to Secure our Border. Loves our military, vets and is strong on the 2nd Amendment.”

WOMAN: Cast your first vote for President Trump this year by supporting Chris Jacobs for Congress on April 28th.

JACOBS: I’m Chris Jacobs and I approve this message.

ANNOUNCER: Paid for by Jacobs for Congress.

Press release:

BUFFALO – United States President Donald J. Trump endorsed Republican Chris Jacobs in his candidacy for the 27^th Congressional District of New York.

In a Twitter post President Trump said, “Chris Jacobs will be a great Congressman who will always fight for the people of New York. He supports our MAGA Agenda, will continue to Secure our Border, Loves our Military, Vets, and is Strong on the 2A. Chris has my complete endorsement for the Special Election on 4/28!”

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive President Trump’s endorsement," Jacobs said. "I appreciate his trust and stand to join him in the fight against socialism and to help him enact his America First Agenda to rebuild our military, grow the economy, and finally secure our borders."

Duane Whitmer, the Libertarian Party candidate for Congress in the 27th District of New York, today accepted Democrat Nate McMurray’s invitation to Chris Jacobs to debate McMurray eight times during the election.

So far, Jacobs has ignored the invitation eight times.

“Chris may be afraid to debate Nate,” Whitmer said, “but Nate is apparently also afraid to debate me as he left me out of the invite. So, I hereby accept Nate’s invitation to Chris to debate Nate.”

Whitmer, who is the chair of the Erie County Libertarian Party, received the endorsement from the district county chairs of the Libertarian Party last night and is also petitioning to be on the Right to Bear Arms ballot line for both the special election on April 28th and the general election in November.

“I will really spice up this debate that would otherwise feature two corporate lawyers affiliated with Delaware North who are political centrists,” said Whitmer. “Without a candidate who proposes real change for the 80 percent of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, the audience could very well fall asleep from sheer boredom.”

Whitmer, who is a tax adviser who represents taxpayers before the IRS, said his key issues if nominated would be: ending the twin wars on peaceful gun owners and drug owners; ending the pointless foreign undeclared wars started by George W. Bush and Barack Obama; and drastically cutting federal spending to stop borrowing from our grandchildren to pay for our own greedy programs.

Whitmer, who ran track at Fredonia State, is originally from Franklinville and now lives and works in Lake View.

When Nate McMurray ran against Chris Collins in 2018 for the NY-27 congressional seat, there was no apparent problem with his employer, Buffalo-based Delaware North.

He kept his job. He kept his salary.

During his tenure as supervisor in Grand Island, he kept his job. He kept his pay.

Two weeks ago, Delaware North informed McMurray he was being placed on leave without pay. He wasn't given an explanation. 

Delaware North is owned by the family of Chris Jacobs, McMurray's opponent in the April 28 special election for the NY-27.

McMurray said he and his family are presently getting by on vacation pay and an earned bonus.

"I worked hard for the company," McMurray said. "I love many people there. But this is unquestionably difficult. I’ve expressed that to them."

Despite the loss of a regular paycheck, McMurray said he's committed to staying in the race.

McMurray made reference to his loss of wages today on Twitter and The Batavian reached out to him for clarification. He said he was limited in what he could say about the situation but confirmed that he had been put on leave without pay.

An attorney licensed to practice law in New York, McMurray is part of Delaware North's legal team.

Multiple attempts to reach the Jacobs campaign today for comment were unsuccessful. We also tried reaching out to Delaware North for comment and were unsuccessful. Messages were left in both cases.

Photo: Still from a video interview The Batavian conducted with Nate McMurray on Thursday evening at the Richmond Memorial Library. We intended to release the full nearly 50-minute interview once we've secured a similar and proportional interview with Chris Jacobs.

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Press release:

Congressional candidate Stefan I. Mychajliw Jr. has announced he will accept a debate challenge from Democrat Nate McMurray, if Chris Jacobs refuses McMurray’s challenge to eight proposed debates across NY-27.

Mychajliw agreed to debate McMurray in all eight counties across NY-27 if Chris Jacobs declines the Democrat’s open debate invitation.

“Someone has to stand up for Republican values," Mychajliw said. "If ‘Republican in Name Only’ Chris Jacobs won’t, I will. Since RINO Chris Jacobs has a record similar to Nate McMurray, he is clearly afraid to debate him.

"Unlike Mitt Romney donor Chris Jacobs, I never said I supported abortion rights, favored gay marriage and opposed the death penalty. While Chris Jacobs is scared to stand up for his RINO, moderate record, I have no issue debating Nate McMurray.

If this proposal is accepted by the McMurray campaign, and Jacobs refuses to debate McMurray, Mychajliw will accept the challenge to eight debates.

“Voters should hear Chris Jacobs defend his record of increasing his own pay by $50,000 and his vote to fund Planned Parenthood," Mychajliw said. "RINO Chris Jacobs’ core values are very similar to Nate McMurray’s. Do we want to send an Albany moderate to Washington that is afraid to debate Nate McMurray? How are you going to take the fight to radical progressives like Nancy Pelosi and AOC when you’re afraid to engage Nate McMurray here at home?”

Press release:

“I want to thank Rob for his hard work and dedication to the Party and the people of Western New York. It has been an honor serving alongside him in the New York State Senate and he has always conducted himself with the highest degree of professionalism and has always been a true fighter for the needs of his constituents. I have no doubt he will continue to serve the people of Western New York with steadfast dedication and honor.”

Press release:

“Governor Cuomo has done everything in his power to give the Democrats an advantage in this special election, but Chris Jacobs has won tough races before. We are confident that on April 28th, Western New Yorkers will choose Chris Jacobs, a conservative who will support President Trump’s agenda, end sanctuary cities and stop the socialist government takeover of healthcare that will bankrupt Medicare for seniors over Nate McMurray, who wants to impose a socialist agenda, supports Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All scheme, opposes the border wall and supports amnesty.”

We asked each of the candidates in the NY-27 special election in April: If you represent NY-27 what will you do to ensure professional Minor League Baseball stays in Batavia?

Nate McMurray:

As your next congressman, I will work with the team, the MLB, and Batavia officials towards a solution to securing the necessary funding for the Muckdogs. Preserving cultural treasures like them here in Western New York is something we can all assist in by spreading awareness about the team to a broader regional audience, participating in team events, attending games and sponsoring group outings to the ballpark for seniors and other groups. I am also proud to promote the Muckdogs and related events on my widely viewed social media platforms.

Chris Jacobs:

“Minor league baseball teams, like the Batavia Muckdogs, are cornerstones of our communities and major drivers of local economies. I’m saddened by the prospect of the Muckdogs leaving Batavia, but I’m not going to give up. In Congress I plan to use my office to meet with the owners and MLB officials to find a workable solution so families can continue to make memories and our local economy can continue to benefit.”

Are there questions you would like to ask the NY-27 candidates that are specific to Genesee County (not national political questions, but specific to the local community): Email them to howard@thebatavian.com. We'll present the answers in the same format.

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Press release:

"Mitt Romney joining the Democrats in voting to convict Donald Trump in this partisan witch hunt is unconscionable," said Chris Jacobs, Congressional candidate (NY-27) and state Senator.

"Democrats announced their intention to impeach President Trump on the day he was inaugurated, and they haven’t stopped their predetermined march toward impeachment since.

"This entire process has been a disgrace to the rule of law in America, but it ends today, despite Senator Romney’s best efforts to undermine President Trump and the will of the American people."

Press release:

“Tonight President Trump emerged victorious from a partisan impeachment scheme, and declared to all Americans that the State of the Union is ‘stronger than ever before!’ " said Chris Jacobs, Congressional candidate (NY-27) and state Senator.

"For the past three years, we have seen a President resolute in putting America first and dead set against the socialist onslaught from the left. The results have record economic growth, new jobs, trade deals, opportunities for working Americans, and a return of the rule of lawmaking all Americans safer.

"President Trump set out to bring Americans together and has worked to build an America that works for all Americans, and tonight’s address reflected nothing less than his dedication to our great nation. I look forward to helping our President secure re-election this fall to keep the State of our Union prosperous for four more years.”

Press release:

On Thursday, Nate McMurray, Democratic candidate for the 27th Congressional District,  called on opponent Chris Jacobs to join him in participating in debates in each of the eight counties in the district prior to the Special Election in April. 

“While Chris is stooping to name-calling and divisive rhetoric, I’m proposing debates in every county across the district to give voters the information they deserve to make an informed decision on Election Day," McMurray said.

"Chris is running around shouting the word ‘socialist’ every chance he gets; which is funny considering I’ve been working for his family and making them money for years as VP of Business Development."

“Chris can keep name-calling if he wants, but I’m ready to bring the issues that matter most to Western New York families to the forefront. With Washington a mess, we should be talking about jobs, about taxes, about the fact that everyone needs to understand that party lines don’t matter in the voting booth when you’re struggling to put food on the table or you can’t afford to buy insulin.” 

The proposed dates for the debates are:

• Feb. 17th: Wood Library, 134 Main St., Canandaigua, 7:30-8:30 p.m. (tentative)
• Feb. 24th: Geneseo Riviera Theater, 4 Center St. Geneseo, 7:30-8:30 p.m. (tentative)
• March 2nd: Location TBD
• March 9th: Location TBD
• March 16th: Location TBD
• March 23rd: Location TBD
• March 30th: Location TBD
• April 6th: Location TBD

Press release:

The campaign of Republican Chris Jacobs launched its first ad today laying out the stakes in the upcoming April 28th special election.

“This race is a clear contrast between Nate McMurray who opposes the President’s border wall, supports Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All scheme and wants to impose a socialist agenda versus Chris Jacobs, a conservative who will support the Trump agenda, end sanctuary cities and defend New Yorkers from a government takeover of healthcare,” spokesman Christian Chase said. “Conservatives can send Nancy Pelosi a message and Donald Trump a conservative ally on April 28th.” 

The ad:

ANNOUNCER: Immigration, healthcare, taxes.  Three big issues, three big differences in the special election for Congress.

Chris Jacobs stands with President Trump… while Nate McMurray wants to impose the socialist agenda.

Chris Jacobs and Trump will finish building the wall and end sanctuary cities.

Nate McMurray opposes the wall and supports amnesty.

McMurray supports Bernie Sanders socialist Medicare for All Scheme that will take away your health insurance…

Chris Jacobs says no way. Keep your plan, keep your doctor, protect Medicare.

McMurray’s already raised taxes … and voted himself a pay raise.

Chris Jacobs stands strong with President Trump. He’s for the Trump tax cuts, dead set against the socialist schemes.

Chris Jacobs is conservative, he’s on President Trump’s team.

On April 28th send Nancy Pelosi a message and Donald Trump a conservative ally. Vote Chris Jacobs for Congress.

JACOBS: I’m Chris Jacobs, candidate for Congress, and I approve this message. 

ANNOUNCER: Paid for by Jacobs for Congress.

Press release from Stefan I. Mychajliw:

In light of United States, Senator Mitt Romney voting against Donald Trump and in favor of witnesses in the impeachment trial of the President, the Stefan for Congress campaign released Chris Jacobs’ financial support for Romney and fellow moderate Republicans that previously opposed President Trump. The American Conservative Union CPAC conference also refused to invite Romney to their national 2020 gathering.

Chris Jacobs has consistently been on the wrong side of Donald Trump by making numerous political contributions to moderates that opposed the President.

“Chris Jacobs is NY27’s version of Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush. He is an Albany moderate that hurt conservatives by giving to those that opposed President Trump. Chris Jacobs, Mitt Romney, and Jeb Bush are kindred spirits. They’re establishment Republican insiders that cave when asked to stand up for President Trump,” said NY27 Congressional candidate Stefan I. Mychajliw.

According to the Federal Election Commission records below, Chris Jacobs donated the following amount to moderate Republicans that opposed President Trump: Mitt Romney: $5,000, Jeb Bush: $2,700 and Marco Rubio: $2,400.

“Chris Jacobs supports fellow moderates that opposed President Trump. He never gave to Donald Trump. I question the judgment of someone that even donated to disgraced Governor Eliot Spitzer but not President Trump. Jacobs gave to Jeb Bush, but never to Donald Trump. I was proud to volunteer on the Trump campaign in 2016 when it wasn’t popular. I’m a consistent conservative that isn’t claiming to support President Trump just because I want to climb the ladder to a higher elected office,” concluded Mychajliw.

Press release:

New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a key member of President Trump’s impeachment defense team and a rising conservative star, endorsed Chris Jacobs today for Congress in New York’s 27th District. 

“In 2016 Republican and Conservative Party leaders turned to Chris Jacobs to reclaim a critical seat in the state senate that helped maintain control of the chamber and ensured a check on Governor Andrew Cuomo,” Stefanik said. “Now we’re turning to Chris again to win another tough election because he’s a proven conservative leader we can count on to stand with President Trump to defeat the socialist agenda of Washington Democrats, defend the Second Amendment, stop illegal immigration and put America first. I’m proud to endorse Chris Jacobs for Congress.” 

Jacobs was nominated Saturday by Republican leaders as their nominee for the 27th District special election. 

Jacobs is a conservative reformer, small businessman and New York State Senator representing Erie County in Western New York. First elected to the Senate in 2016 and re-elected in November of 2018, Chris has been a strong voice for Western New York, fighting against policies driven by New York City political interests that are harmful to the region. 

Prior to his election to the Senate, Jacobs was the first Republican Clerk elected in Erie County in 40 years. As County Clerk, Jacobs drove dramatic efficiencies without increasing the number of employees and ran the county’s Pistol Permit Division, where he gained recognition for his strong defense of 2nd Amendment rights during the passage of the New York SAFE Act.

Jacobs is the founder and owner of Avalon Development. Founded in 2002, Avalon has redeveloped many vacant and historic buildings in Western New York.

In 1994, Jacobs founded the BISON Scholarship Fund, a charity that has provided scholarships for more than 20,000 children throughout Western New York.

Jacobs and his wife, Martina, have a daughter, Anna.

Press release:

State Senator Chris Jacobs received the Republican nomination for the special election to Congress from Western New York’s now-vacant 27th Congressional District seat.

 “I’m honored by this opportunity and I want to thank the county chairs and my fellow candidates,” Jacobs said. “Western New York needs a strong advocate in Congress who will stand with President Trump and get results for the American people.”

“Governor Cuomo is doing all he can to hand this seat to the Democrats, but I’m prepared for the fight,” Jacobs said. “I’ve got a track record of winning tough races and delivering real results for this community and we’ll win this race by focusing on strengthening the future of Western New York by creating an environment for job growth, defending our borders and preserving our shared values and ideals.” 

About Chris Jacobs
Chris Jacobs is a conservative reformer, small businessman and New York State Senator representing Erie County in Western New York. First elected to the Senate in 2016 and re-elected in November of 2018, Chris has been a strong voice for Western New York, fighting against policies driven by New York City political interests that are harmful to the region. He has also been a strong advocate for government reform. The first piece of legislation Chris introduced in the Senate was term limits for all state elected officials.

Prior to his election to the Senate, Jacobs was the first Republican clerk elected in Erie County in 40 years. As county clerk, Jacobs was credited with reforming the operations of the Office’s Real Estate Division, which had fallen into dysfunction. Jacobs drove dramatic efficiencies and revenues throughout the Clerk’s Office without increasing the number of employees. He was also credited with building the clerk’s “Thank A Vet” Program, now the largest veterans discount program of its kind in the entire state. As clerk, he also ran Erie County’s Pistol Permit Division, where he received an accommodation for his strong defense of Second Amendment rights, especially during the passage of the New York SAFE Act.

A small business owner, Jacobs is the founder and owner of Avalon Development. Founded in 2002, Avalon has redeveloped many vacant and historic buildings in Western New York. Chris has received numerous awards for bringing older buildings and the communities around them back to life. His projects have focused on providing unique and affordable space for small businesses to thrive. Jacobs’ business experience is one reason he believes that small business creation and growth is critical to the region’s comeback.

Jacobs' first job after college was working in Washington, D.C., for former Buffalo Congressman and Buffalo Bills quarterback Jack Kemp. In 1994, Jacobs returned home to Western New York to start the BISON Scholarship Fund, a charity that raised donations to help send children to private and religious schools. BISON will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary this fall, over that time providing scholarships for more than 20,000 children throughout Western New York. Jacobs believes that all children in America, no matter their income or their address, deserve an education of the highest quality.

Jacobs grew up in Western New York. He is married to Martina Jacobs and they have a daughter, Anna. He is a graduate of Boston College and has an MBA from American University in Washington, D.C., and a law degree from SUNY Buffalo.