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GOP congressman mulls run for governor

Posted at 10:25 AM, Feb 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-14 12:25:57-05

Republican U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson says his cross-aisle success in his upstate district can be scaled up statewide.

The 51-year-old is edging closer to a 2018 run for governor, an office Democrats have held since 2006. Though confident, Gibson acknowledges the path to victory is "steep and narrow" in a state with twice as many Democrats as Republicans.

Gibson this past week launched a committee allowing him to raise money for a run.

He is crisscrossing the state for the likes of Republican receptions in western New York and a post office dedication in Long Island as he finishes his third and final term in Congress this year. He's using the head start introduce himself to voters.

Gibson said he would need a minimum of $20 million if he runs.