Moderate GOP Rep Marc Molinaro projected to lose re-election after $35M battle in heavy blow to House GOP
In a stunning upset, Democrat Josh Riley is projected to unseat first-term Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., dealing a blow to House Republicans’ hopes of maintaining control over half of Congress next year. The battle for New York’s 19th Congressional District, which spans parts of upstate New York, the Hudson Valley, and distant suburbs outside New York City and Albany, was one of the most expensive races in the country.
The Associated Press called Molinaro’s defeat in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Both campaigns and their allies poured more than $35 million into digital and TV ads, according to Politico. The race was closely watched as a proxy for national debates on border security and abortion, two divisive issues in recent elections.
Molinaro’s victory in 2022, where he narrowly defeated Riley by less than 2%, was attributed to a suburban backlash against New York City’s progressive crime policies. He was one of several Republicans elected in a district that President Biden won in 2020.
Riley, a fifth-generation upstate New Yorker who comes from humble beginnings, ran a competitive campaign against Molinaro. His previous experience on Capitol Hill includes serving as general counsel to former Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Molinaro’s loss in a district that was not considered as vulnerable as others closer to urban centers spells trouble for House Republicans overall. With Republicans projected to have won 184 seats compared to 156 for House Democrats, the balance of power in Congress hangs in the balance.
In conclusion, the race between Molinaro and Riley exemplifies the shifting political landscape in key battleground districts. The outcome serves as a bellwether for the upcoming elections and underscores the importance of grassroots campaigning and engaging with voters on critical issues.
