New York Democrats have introduced legislation that could delay the special election to replace U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, a move that has ignited fierce backlash from Republicans, according to the Times Union.

The bill, introduced late Friday by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, would give Gov. Kathy Hochul the power to postpone special elections and potentially merge them with the general election in November. If enacted, this could leave New York’s deep-red 21st Congressional District without representation for months.

Democrats argue the measure is intended to improve election efficiency and voter turnout while reducing taxpayer costs. However, the bill does not require a delay—it merely grants the governor the discretion to do so.

According to the Times Union, Republicans, seeing this as a strategic maneuver to weaken their narrow House majority, are furious. State Assemblyman Chris Tague slammed the bill, accusing Hochul and Albany Democrats of trying to “cancel” the election and silence upstate voters. Some GOP leaders are even calling for a Justice Department investigation.

Meanwhile, Stefanik, a five-term Republican, is expected to leave her seat upon confirmation as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. However, GOP leaders may encourage her to stay put until after expected Republican victories in Florida special elections in April, a move that could help maintain their slim advantage in Congress.

Democrats have already chosen dairy farmer Blake Gendebien as their candidate, while Republicans continue to weigh their options. The bill could be ready for a full vote as early as Monday.