The race to represent New York's 19th Congressional District is the most expensive House race in the country, Politico reported Friday.
In the campaigns of incumbent Rep. Marc Molinaro, a Republican, and his Democrat opponent Josh Riley, House campaign arms and super PACs, have spent over $35.5 million on TV and digital advertising.
Republicans believe that Vice President Kamala Harris' nomination will boost Riley's chances. He lost to Molinaro by less than 2 points in 2022.
GOP consultant Vince Casale, a super PAC operator in the district, said Harris is "not going to perform in this district as well as Biden did four years ago."
However, Casale predicted she would boost turnout for Riley.
"She brings the base back home for them," he said.
Polling for the district has been limited, but results show a close race. Molinaro's campaign released a July poll showing a 9-point lead, while a September poll found Riley ahead by 3 points.
Molinaro has focused on border security, aligning with GOP hard-liners, while distancing himself from a national abortion ban.
"One of the challenges is not only reaching out to all of these people, but you have to speak to the masses and know that the priorities and values can be vastly different from one region to the other," Casale added.
Moreover, Republicans have painted Riley as a "D.C. insider" tied to Biden's policies.
"While elite D.C. lawyer Josh Riley cozied up to Democrat activists and pushed far-left progressive policies, Congressman Marc Molinaro has fought to lower taxes, cut costs, and secure the border," Congressional Leadership Fund President Dan Conston said. "We're proud to support Congressman Molinaro again this cycle, as he sends carpetbagger Josh Riley packing a second time."
Meanwhile, on the Democrat side, the House Majority PAC backing Riley has spent $5.1 million in the district and has run a campaign focusing on abortion.
"Marc Molinaro is an anti-abortion extremist who has sold out N.Y.-19 for 30 years," said C.J. Warnke, a spokesman for the PAC. "That's why this district is a prime flip opportunity."
Riley has maintained that he is running as a moderate seeking to appeal to Republicans as well as Trump voters.
"It's a very competitive district. It's a very hard-fought race," Riley said.
"That's how it should be. No one can win this district without appealing to people on the other side of the aisle."
In 2016, New York's 19th Congressional District backed former President Donald Trump. In 2020, Biden won it.
Nick Koutsobinas ✉
Nick Koutsobinas, a Newsmax writer, has years of news reporting experience. A graduate from Missouri State University’s philosophy program, he focuses on exposing corruption and censorship.
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