New York Republicans were able to successfully defend swing districts in the 2024 elections, while Democrats appeared to take back at least two House seats that were flipped by the GOP in 2022. Despite these wins for the Democrats in the Empire State, Republicans were able to clinch control of the US Senate, vied for the House of Representatives, and held a narrow lead in the presidential race. Republican Rep. Mike Lawler’s victory over former Congress member Mondaire Jones in the lower Hudson Valley race was a high-profile win for the GOP.
Republicans had hoped to expand their electoral foothold in New York, especially after helping the GOP take control of Congress unexpectedly in the 2022 midterms. However, their dreams of further gains in the deeply blue Empire State were on the ropes late on Election Night, as Democrats appeared to be on track to reclaim at least two congressional seats that had been flipped by Republicans two years prior. John Mannion unseated Rep. Brandon Williams in the upstate 22nd Congressional District, while Democrat Laura Gillen declared victory over GOP Rep. Anthony D’Esposito in the Fourth Congressional District.
Democratic incumbent Rep. Pat Ryan was projected to hold his battleground seat over Republican challenger Alison Esposito in a tight suburban district. Ryan garnered nearly 58% of the votes, while Esposito received 42%, with 94% of the ballots tallied. The 18th Congressional District covering Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster counties was one of the most competitive races in the 2024 election, as Democrats aimed to take control of the House from Republicans. On Long Island, Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi claimed victory and is expected to retain control of former GOP Rep. George Santos’ old seat.
In another race on Long Island, freshman Republican Rep. Nick LaLota handily defeated Democratic challenger John Avlon in the battle for a congressional seat on Long Island’s East End. LaLota secured 55% of the votes, while Avlon received 44%. However, in the upstate 19th Congressional District, Democratic candidate Josh Riley was in a tight race with Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro, with Molinaro down by about 13,000 votes when 97% of the vote was counted, making it unlikely for him to catch up. Republican Rep. Michael LiPetri Jr. on Long Island’s South Shore through central Nassau County claimed victory, defeating Democratic Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, who had refused to concede as only 6,000 votes separated them.
Overall, the preliminary results of the 2024 elections in New York show a mix of wins for both Republicans and Democrats. While Republicans were able to defend swing districts and secure key victories, Democrats also made gains by reclaiming previously lost congressional seats. The race for control of the House and Senate remained close, with both parties vying for control. The results reflect the political landscape in New York and the balance of power between the GOP and the Democrats in the state.
