BUFFALO, N.Y. -- If local Republican leaders are able to get Chris Collins' name off the ballot this November for the 27th Congressional District race, there's no shortage of people who would like to replace him.
Stefan Mychajliw, the current Erie County comptroller, was the first to announce his interest. He said in a tweet, "Im all in" just about an hour after Collins announced his decision to suspend his campaign.
"I double down on my support of President Trump and his conservative policies," Mychajliw said on CNN this weekend.
Carl Paladino is also looking to exploit his support for the President. The former gubernatorial candidate and Buffalo School Board member is close with President Trump. Paladino served as co-chair of the Trump Campaign's New York State operation.
"In my heart, I know I could best represent the people in the 27th (District) and in Western New York," Paladino told 2 On Your Side over the weekend.
David Bellavia, an Iraq War veteran and radio host, was also quick to join the race. He ran against Collins in his first and only Congressional primary back in 2012.
Four New York State senators are also in the mix.
Patrick Gallivan told 2 On Your Side he's "seriously considering all options."
Rob Ortt said over the weekend, "I will answer the call should I be asked to serve..."
Mike Ranzenhofer has talked privately with county party chairs, according to a source.
Chris Jacobs has also expressed interest. He would have to move into the district should he win the race.
The difficulty with the four Republican state senators is if they run for Congress, that may hurt the party's chances to control the New York State Senate, which appears up for grabs this fall.
That would not be as much a concern for the two members of the New York State Assembly who want to run for Congress.
Steve Hawley of Batavia told 2 On Your Side he has a "strong desire" to get the nomination.
Ray Walter of Amherst announced his interest on Twitter over the weekend.
Two members of the Erie County Legislature are also interested in replacing Collins.
Lynne Dixon told 2 On Your Side via text, "I think it should be considered an honor and a privilege for whoever is selected..."
Ed Rath said on Facebook that he looks forward to making the case on why he would be the best candidate.
At least two people whose names were floated have said they're not interested. Andrea Bozek -- an executive with a lobbying company and former GOP communications expert in Washington, D.C. -- told 2 On Your Side she is not running, but she said, "It was an honor to be mentioned." The Buffalo News reports Trump White House official Jeffrey Freeland also took his name out of contention.
The 11 potential candidates mentioned in this story represent "only about half" of the total number of people who have expressed interest, according to one GOP insider.
The party chairs of the 8 counties that make up the 27th Congressional District will meet for the first time Tuesday to discuss the process to try to replace Collins on the ballot. It's expected they will interview many of the hopefuls and try to find a consensus candidate who will be able to unite the party, raise a lot of money, and ultimately win in November.