New York Congressional Republicans are finally jumping off the 2024 presidential fence.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island) and Rep. Nick Larota (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 that America needs a commander-in-chief who will keep us safe,” Larota said. Ta. “President Trump's policies have made our country stronger and put us on a path to prosperity. As our 47th president, he will clean up the mess President Biden created.”
A spokesperson for Malliotakis added: “Nicole supports President Trump and intends to formally support him at the appropriate time.”
The other four members of the nine-member Republican delegation are candidates for the 2024 presidential primary, even though former President Trump suffered a landslide defeat in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary looms on Tuesday. I don't support anyone.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Rockland), Rep. Brandon Williams (R-Syracuse), Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-Long Island), and Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Long Island). Nassau County Assemblyman Maji Pilip, who is running in a special election to replace disgraced Rep. George Santos, and others have not yet announced their support.
In 2022, Mr. Lawler publicly stated that he wanted someone to replace Mr. Trump, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emerged as a suitable candidate.
“Long Island is getting redder and redder, but it's not Trump country. I think they might be a little sneaky,” said one avid Republican operative. “Maybe they're looking forward to it.” [Trump] If found guilty, removed from the ballot. ”
New York members of Congress who support Mr. Trump include Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-Chautauqua) and Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-Finger Lakes).
Another senator, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville), is widely seen as a possible running mate because she is very close to the former president.
Long Island voters were divided during the 2020 presidential election, with Nassau voting for Biden but Trump winning Suffolk.
Things don't bode well for Republicans in 2024, as the New York State Supreme Court has given Democrats another chance to redraw the state's congressional districts, targeting vulnerable Republicans. It is almost certain that the Democratic Party will do so.
All four of the seats held by Trump are among the seats Democrats plan to contest in the 2024 election.
Jay Jacobs, chairman of the New York State Democratic Party, said he was “pleased with” the upcoming new districts and confirmed his party will vigorously contest all Republican fence-crossers. “They're important targets because they're in districts that tend to lean toward moderates,” he said.
But Trump insiders warned that continuing to sit on the fence carries risks.
“We know it's a close race, but there's a risk that Trump's supporters will stay in the country. If even 1 or 2 percent of Trump supporters see this and stay home, you're in trouble, too,” Republicans said. said consultant Caroline Wren. “Right now, the members of Congress who don't support Donald Trump are far more concerned about what their donor base thinks of them than they are about their actual voters. And that's a cross they have to carry.”
A number of retirements, a leadership crisis and the ouster of former Rep. George Santos have left the party with a seat that could reach a one-seat majority in 2024.
Empire State Democrats won't even round them all up to take back the House and install Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn as speaker.
