HUDSON, NY – Pat Ryan, a Democratic district executive in New York’s Hudson Valley, won a special House election on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, in a contest considered to be the a potential test of the impact the Supreme Court’s recent decision on abortion could have on the midterm elections.
Result in The race is closely watchedconsidered a ouster, would keep the rotating regional seat, formerly held by Lieutenant General Antonio Delgado, under Democratic control.
Mr. Ryan was able to keep his initial lead, eventually winning 52% of the vote to Republican rival Marc Molinaro’s 48%, with almost 95% of the vote.
Mr. Ryan sought to highlight abortion as a key issue of his campaign and contrasted his support for protection of abortion rights nationally with that of Mr. Molinaro, who believes that this decision should be considered by the states.
In campaign speeches and advertisements, Mr. Ryan, Ulster County executive and veteran, urged voters in 19th District to see the election as an important opportunity to send information The message criticized attacks on access to abortion, the right to vote and, more broadly, democratic principles.
“The choice is on the ballot. Freedom was on the ballot, and tonight choice and freedom won,” said Ryan say on Twitter early Wednesday. “We voted as if our democracy was on the right track because it was.”
Although polls show a majority of voters in favor of some access to abortion, Democrats have struggled with how best to translate that into support for the party.
Dutchess County executive Molinaro largely avoided the topic of abortion, focusing instead on voters’ everyday worries, from crime and inflation to the price of baby formula.
Speaking to supporters on Tuesday night, Mr Molinaro refused to give in. “Whether it’s tonight or November 8, we will win the 19th Congressional District and give voice to those who are working too hard and getting too little in return.”
Mr. Ryan is currently traveling to Washington to serve the remaining four months of Mr. Delgado’s term. This is his second run for Congress: He ran in 2018 against Mr. Delgado, coming second in a crowded primary.
In the final days of the race, the Democratic campaign received a boost from party leaders including Mr. Delgado and Governor Kathy Hochul, who appeared with Mr. Ryan at a rally in Kingston, and he benefited from a spirited launch -vote campaign that included calls, letters, and postcards.
Mr. Ryan will seek a full term in Congress in November, but – in a confusing redistributive year – it will not be in District 19. His home is within the new boundaries of District 18, where he will run in November. The Republican opponent in that race will be Congressman Colin Schmitt of New Windsor.
Despite Mr. Molinaro’s death in District 19, he will also seek a full term in Congress in November – in the new lines of the district.
