New York’s congressional Republicans are finally jumping off the 2024 presidential fence.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island) and Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Long Island) both told The Post they support former President Trump.
“As a Navy Veteran and a member of both the Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, I understand America needs a Commander in Chief who will keep us safe,” LaLota said. “President Trump’s policies make our country stronger and put us on the path to prosperity. As our 47th president, he will clean up the mess made by President Biden.”
A spokesperson for Malliotakis added that “Nicole supports President Trump and will make an official confirmation at the appropriate time.”
Four more members of the nine-member Republican delegation did not endorse any candidate in the 2024 presidential election — despite former President Trump’s reigning Iowa caucus blowout, and with the New Hampshire primary looming Tuesday.
Rep. Long Island’s Nick Lalota comes out with a strong endorsement of former President Trump CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Representatives Mike Lawler (R-Rockland), Brandon Williams (R-Syracuse), Anthony D’Esposito (R-Long Island), and Andrew Garbarino (R-Long Island); along with Nassau County legislator Mazi Philip, who is running in a special election to replace Rep. Shameful George Santos, still not supportive.
In 2022 Lawler publicly expressed his desire for an alternative to Trump — and floated Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the right person.
“Long Island has gotten redder, but It’s not Trump country. I think they might be a little nervous,” said one Republican official who was installed. “Maybe they hope [Trump] convicted and thrown out of the vote.”
Many GOP congressmen involved in New York have been slow to support former President Trump. Getty Images
New York congressmen who support Trump include Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-Chautauqua) and Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-Finger Lakes).
Another top citizen, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville), is so close to the former president that she is widely seen as a potential running mate.
During the 2020 presidential race, Long Island voters were split, with Nassau voting for Biden, while Trump took Suffolk.
The 2024 landscape doesn’t bode well for Republicans after New York’s highest court gave Democrats the chance to redraw the state’s House districts — something they will almost certainly do in a way that targets vulnerable Republicans.
The GOP member of Congress from New York is a key target for Democrats in 2024. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
All four of Trump’s holdings are in seats that Democrats are proposing to contest in the 2024 election.
“I’m happy about it,” New York State Democratic chairman Jay Jacobs said of the upcoming new district and confirmed that the party will vigorously contest all GOP fence-sitters. “It is an important target because they are in districts that tend to be moderate,” he said.
Pro-Trump insiders warn, however, that staying on the fence comes with risks.
The resignation of former Rep. George Santos because of embarrassment will also suspend the results of the 2024 election in Long Island. CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images
“I know this is a tight race, but there is a risk that Trump’s base will stay home. If one or two percent of Trump’s base sees this and stays home, you’re screwed too,” said GOP consultant Caroline Wren. “At this point, members who don’t support Donald Trump care more about what their donors think of them, than their actual constituents. And that is the cross they have to bear”
A series of retirements, a leadership crisis and the removal of former Rep. George Santos has left the party with what could be a one-seat majority for 2024.
Empire State Democrats won’t vote all of them to take back the House and crown Rep. Brooklyn Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
