Democrat Josh Riley gained in New York’s nineteenth Congressional District, in accordance with Resolution Desk HQ, defeating incumbent Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) in an enormous victory for Democrats and their quest to take management of the Home.
Riley’s win got here in his second match-up towards Molinaro: The 2 New Yorkers squared off for the district’s Home seat in 2022, a race Molinaro gained by 1.6 share factors.
The victory is an enormous boon for Democrats, who had their eyes locked on the race and noticed the world as vital to their path again to the bulk. Democrats have to internet 4 seats to take management of the decrease chamber.
And it places an finish to Molinaro’s quick stint within the Home, throughout which at occasions he emerged as a detailed ally of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
The Empire State district broke for President Biden by 4.6 share factors in 2020 earlier than Molinaro narrowly captured it final cycle. Biden’s win, nevertheless, had fueled hope amongst Democrats that they might transfer the seat again into their column this cycle. Prepare dinner Political Report rated the seat a “toss-up.”
Riley pulled forward of Molinaro this time round after operating a marketing campaign that leaned in on points like immigration and girls’s reproductive rights, two issues that emerged as of high concern to voters this cycle.
In an indication of the race’s significance, high Home lawmakers of each political stripes flocked to the district to marketing campaign with their respective candidates. Lower than every week earlier than Election Day, Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) appeared at a rally with Riley, and Johnson visited Molinaro in his district.
Riley clinched victory with assist from an enormous money benefit. Riley introduced in $8.76 million, in accordance with filings with the Federal Elections Fee, which was excess of Molinaro’s practically $5.12 million.
Riley additionally led the cash recreation when it comes to outdoors spending: $5.42 million in help of Riley, in comparison with $2.95 million for Molinaro, in accordance with OpenSecrets.
