Congressman Chris Gibson's announcement that this term will be his last sparked interest among Republicans who may want his seat.
Both Assemblyman Pete Lopez and former Cobleskill town Councilman Ryan McAllister said they're intrigued by a chance to move up the political ladder.
And even state Senator Jim Seward may be interested.
Shortly after being sworn in for this third term last week, Congressman Gibson said he wouldn't run for Congress again.
And the Republican Congressman also said he'll "be committed to building a stronger team so that the GOP can compete and win statewide in 2018, including the possibility of being a candidate in that cycle."
Many interpreted that statement to mean that Congressman Gibson would consider a gubernatorial run in 2018. There's more immediate interest, however, in who might run for Congress.
"It's very early, but yes, I'm interested," Assemblyman Pete Lopez said on Friday.
Six of the seven counties in his Assembly District are in Congressman Gibson's 11-county district, Assemblyman Lopez said.
"We've been serving the same area and working on the same issues--the flood, economic development and others," said Mr. Lopez, who just started his fifth two-year term.
Mr. Lopez served in several posts in Schoharie village and town government and was Schoharie County Clerk before being elected to the Assembly.
"I love problem-solving and having more resources [as a Congressman] to help our communities," Mr. Lopez said.
"If I do this, I'd do it with my eyes wide open. I know the people, I know the region."
Besides praising Congressman Gibson, Schoharie County Republican Chairman Lew Wilson said Assemblyman Lopez would "be a fine candidate" for Congress.
And, Mr. Wilson added, Mr. McAllister running for Mr. Lopez' Assembly seat would be an excellent move.
"They'd make a good team," Mr. Wilson said of the two men.
Mr. McAllister liked the idea of running for the Assembly but added that he "may be interested in Mr. Gibson's seat."
Mr. McAllister served two terms as councilman on the Cobleskill Town Board and said he enjoys serving the community, either in government or civic groups.
"I've always been interested in policy and government that can make people's lives easier," he said. "I want to see if I can help the community I love."
The longest tenured of the three Republicans, Senator Seward said Monday that he'll consider Congress, though he's undecided.
Senator Seward began his 15th term in Albany last week.
"I've represented close to half of that district and have a lot of contacts," Senator Seward said. "Many people urged me to take a look.
"I am going to look at it and make a decision down the road."