Republican Rep. Brandon Williams, R-N.Y., has taken aim at his Democratic challenger, John Mannion, for receiving a progressive endorsement despite portraying himself as a moderate during their recent debate. The two candidates are vying for control of New York's 22nd congressional district, a key battleground in the Democrats' quest to regain control of the House.
Williams narrowly won the district by one percentage point in the previous election. However, redistricting changes have altered the landscape, with the addition of the college town of Cortland and the removal of rural areas that were strongholds for former President Trump. These changes have shifted the district's demographics, with voters favoring President Biden by 11 points in the 2020 presidential election.
During the debate, Williams' spokesperson, Taylor Weyeneth, criticized Mannion for running on the 'anti-cop, pro-Hamas' ballot line of the Working Families Party (WFP). Despite being considered a moderate in Albany, Mannion received the WFP endorsement earlier this year, aligning himself with the party's progressive agenda.
The WFP, linked to the Democratic Socialists of America, advocates for progressive policies such as tax increases, voting rights for non-citizens, and healthcare coverage for undocumented residents. The party has also called for defunding the police and has been vocal in its support for Palestine.
Williams has accused Mannion of masquerading as a centrist while holding far-left views. The race has intensified in the final stretch, with both candidates trying to appeal to swing voters and secure crucial support.
While national attention has been focused on other districts, the central New York race between Williams and Mannion has become a significant battleground for the Democratic Party. Mannion, a former school teacher and state senator, has garnered support from labor unions and positioned himself as a centrist on key issues.
Williams, a Navy veteran and entrepreneur, is seeking to highlight Mannion's progressive endorsements and policies to sway voters in his favor. The race remains closely contested, with both candidates making their final pitches to voters in the lead-up to the election.
