Staff Reports
Republicans have set aside a significant $28.7 million for ads in New York, as they aim to defend their recent gains and safeguard their slim majority in the House of Representatives. This move follows a similar announcement from the Democratic-aligned House Majority PAC, which revealed plans to reserve $21 million for TV ads in the state.
The Congressional Leadership Fund, an organization aligned with the GOP, highlighted the competitive nature of the upcoming elections and expressed confidence in the party’s standing. Its president, Dan Conston, emphasized the importance of effective campaigns and resources in the midst of challenging races.
GOP-aligned super PAC reserves $5 million in ads for Colorado's battleground 8th CD race (via: @eluning) https://t.co/zSM4ZYMOb8
— Colorado Politics (@colo_politics) May 23, 2024
The reserved ad buys include placements on cable television in New York’s competitive 17th and 18th congressional districts. In the 18th District, former Rep. Lee Zeldin’s lieutenant governor pick, Alison Esposito, is set to go head-to-head against incumbent Rep. Pat Ryan. Esposito, a veteran New York Police Department commander, narrowly won the district in a previous election and has emerged as a formidable challenger.
The ad reservations also allocate $3.2 million for the 22nd Congressional District, which has become more challenging for Rep. Brandon Williams due to redistricting changes. Despite being a top fundraiser, Williams faces tough competition from Democratic challengers.
In the 17th District, where President Joe Biden secured a 10-point victory in 2020, Rep. Mike Lawler is seeking reelection against former Rep. Mondaire Jones. The race has garnered widespread attention, following Lawler’s narrow win in the previous election.
With the House of Representatives currently holding a narrow 217-213 majority in favor of the Republicans, the upcoming elections in New York are crucial in determining the balance of power in Congress.
