Iraq War veteran and freshman Rep. Pat Ryan is fighting to hold onto his seat in upstate New York, a district crucial for the Democrats in their bid to regain control of the House. His opponent, Republican Alison Esposito, is focusing on hot-button issues like crime, public safety, and the economy, while downplaying reproductive rights as a key factor in the race.
The battle for control of the House in areas outside the presidential battleground map, like New York and California, is intensifying as Republicans aim to flip seats in historically blue states. In New York, both parties are focusing on key issues like reproductive rights, immigration, and protecting democracy, as well as local concerns such as cleaning up the Hudson River and affordability.
In another closely watched race, GOP Rep. Mike Lawler is campaigning to keep his suburban seat in New York’s 17th District, emphasizing bipartisanship, pragmatism, and independence from former President Trump. His Democratic opponent, former Rep. Mondaire Jones, is highlighting the need for a Democratic Congress to pass legislation protecting Roe v. Wade and other progressive priorities.
Both races are seeing heavy spending on advertising and fierce competition for the political middle ground, with incumbents like Ryan and Lawler seeking to demonstrate their ability to work across the aisle. However, the candidates remain sharply divided on issues like abortion, policing, and Israel, reflecting the broader partisan divide in New York and the nation as a whole.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com