Pro-Israel Politicians Win Congressional Races Across New York’s Swing Districts

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler retained his seat in New York’s 17th Congressional District in a race that saw both candidates vie for the area’s large Jewish vote and spar over support for Israel.  

Lawler has forged close ties with the approximately 30,000 Orthodox Jewish voters in his district, frequently visiting their communities and meeting with their leading rabbis, at one point along with House Speaker Mike Johnson. He has also been vocally supportive of Israel and measures to combat antisemitism, advancing some via bipartisan legislation.  

In the neighboring 18th District, Democrat Pat Ryan defeated Republican challenger Alison Esposito with around 56% of the vote. Ryan has also taken a position more closely aligned with Israel, saying in January that he would support a ceasefire if Hamas released Israeli hostages and surrendered. 

In the 19th Congressional District, covering a swath of New York from the Massachusetts border to the Southern Tier, Democrat Josh Riley narrowly defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro, securing slightly more than 50% of the vote. 

The two were generally aligned in their stance toward Israel and the Middle East conflict, advocating for the end of Hamas rule in Gaza and the return of the hostages. Both attended pro-Israel events during the campaign. (TOI/ VFI News)

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Yeshua HaMashiach.” - 1 Corinthians 15:57