NEW CITY, NY – The contest for House majority is heating up in three pivotal swing districts within New York City’s suburbs: New York-17, New York-3, and New York-4.
As Republicans strive to hold on to their slim House majority in the upcoming midterm elections, they are framing Democrats as radicals. They see the ongoing struggle within the party—between the left and the center-left—as a political tool to leverage.
“The Democratic Party is drifting further to the left, and it doesn’t seem to have an end in sight,” Republican Representative Mike Lawler said during a conversation with Fox News Digital.
Lawler represents NY-17, a district that encompasses a large portion of New York City’s northern suburbs. His comments followed the recent victories of three far-left Democrats, who were endorsed by socialist Mayor Zoran Mamdani, defeating their more moderate opponents in a contest that gained national attention.
Two of the winners were connected to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), while two of the defeated candidates were incumbents.
“My district is heavily influenced by events in New York City. Many of my constituents are city workers: police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers,” Lawler explained.
He highlighted, “These radical socialists are not just taking Congress; they’re impacting state legislatures too. As I mentioned last year, Zoran Mamdani will represent the Democratic Party’s face and leadership—this is exactly what’s unfolding.”
Lawler’s opponent in the midterms lacks backing from both DSA and two other far-left groups, the Justice Democrats and the Working Families Party.
“Even if she doesn’t carry a socialist title, her policy views align with them,” Lawler stated, arguing that his challenger will simply endorse the radical elements within the party.
Democratic Representative Susan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, countered that the GOP’s portrayal of Democrats as far-left extremists is a “desperate tactic.”
“The midterms will ultimately be a referendum on who will alleviate costs and enhance the lives of everyday Americans. House Republicans have spectacularly faltered in this regard,” DelBene asserted.
She characterized the Republican strategy as an indication of their disconnect from the electorate, emphasizing that “Voters want to turn their backs on the GOP, and these baseless claims are not aligned with their desires.”
Challenger Kate Conley, a West Point graduate and Iraq/Afghanistan veteran, pushed back against Lawler’s accusations. “Voters are fed up with political insiders who focus more on their re-election than tackling genuine issues,” Conley remarked.
“We need fresh leadership instead of a network of political elites,” she added.
The NY-17 race is one among 20 to 30 that could determine whether Republicans retain their narrow majority in the House.
Similar tensions are evident in NY-3 and NY-4, located in the eastern suburbs of New York City.
“I think Nassau County will indeed feel the impact, being a border county,” stated Janine Driscoll, the Republican candidate for NY-4. She referred to recent electoral wins by far-left Democrats in nearby New York City as a rallying point. “Bringing in extreme leftists who identify as socialists—essentially communists—will awaken voters.”
Facing off against Democratic state Representative Laura Gillen, Driscoll highlights the area’s demographic characteristics that could influence outcomes.
In NY-3, Republican candidate Mike Repetri is up against Democrat Tom Suozzi, who narrowly defeated him in the previous election. “People in northeast Long Island and Queens are scared. They worry about America’s future if Democrats regain the House,” Lupetri emphasized.
Suozzi and Gillen are part of a cadre of moderate House Democrats who recently initiated the “Promise to America,” a centrist commitment that renounces socialism and champions secure borders, fiscal responsibility, and economic growth.
“I define myself as a new kind of old-school Democrat, one who embraces traditional values,” Suozzi stated during a recent interview.
“We back capitalism, not socialism. We support security over lawlessness. We take pride in America, and we need to promote that,” he added.
Amidst this, Lupetri criticized Suozzi for being insincere, calling him “two-faced.” Driscoll added commentary that Gillen’s voting history doesn’t match her claimed moderate stance.
In a highly charged election climate, top Republicans are seizing on recent far-left triumphs to criticize Democrats.
“The communist threat is real,” warned former President Donald Trump.
Vice President J.D. Vance echoed this sentiment on Fox News, asserting that Democrats appear bent on fundamentally transforming America—a hallmark of communism.
Yet, CJ Warnke, communications director for the Democratic-leaning House Majority PAC, accused Republicans of lacking merit. He labeled their campaign a futile effort to salvage their image following unsuccessful policies that have adversely affected prices.
