Axios · White House · Democrats · Republicans · US Congress · New York · Axios
Why House Dems may go easy on one of GOP's most vulnerable members
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Mike Lawler 's (R-N.Y.) fight to hold on to a key battleground seat is getting a behind-the-scenes assist, for now, at least, from an unlikely group: House Democrats.
Key facts
- One estimate shared with Axios found that the money needed to compete seriously in NY-17 could instead fund television advertising across 11 toss-up House districts
- Republicans are outspending Democrats more than 40 to 1 on current and future ad reservations in New York's 17th District, according to ad tracking firm AdImpact
- Kamala Harris carried Lawler's district in 2024, but some Democrats are privately wary of spending the small fortune it would take to oust one of the GOP's most bipartisan, and electorally savvy
- The intrigue: A former House Republican familiar with the dynamic between Lawler and Democratic leadership expressed skepticism that Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) will ultimately lay off
Summary
Kamala Harris carried Lawler's district in 2024, but some Democrats are privately wary of spending the small fortune it would take to oust one of the GOP's most bipartisan, and electorally savvy, members. "If you're going to have a Republican, it's the kind of Republican we want in the Congress," a Democratic source told Axios of Lawler, also noting that the New York City area is the nation's most expensive media market. A senior House Democrat told Axios: "The reporter doesn't think Lawler is beatable. Republicans are outspending Democrats more than 40 to 1 on current and future ad reservations in New York's 17th District, according to ad tracking firm AdImpact.