Lawler holds NY-17 Seat

Congressman Mike Lawler (R, Pearl River) has defeated former Democratic Congressman Mondaire Jones in the 17th Congressional District.

“Folks, tonight the Hudson Valley told Mondaire Jones to beat it,” remarked Lawler, to a cheering crowd of supports. “I can’t thank each and every one of you enough for everything you’ve done to make this happen,” he continued.

Lawler lead Jones 191,681 votes to 118,654.  

In 2022, Republican Mike Lawler secured his seat by narrowly defeating Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, a Democrat.  At the time, Maloney was a ten year member of Congress and served as the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee which is tasked with electing members of the Democratic Party to Congress.

Mondaire Jones is a former Congressman who represented significant portions of the current 17th District.  Jones, an attorney, was first elected to Congress in 2022.  After he and fellow Democrat Maloney were districted together in 2021, Jones opted to move to New York City and run in the 10th Congressional District which includes portions of Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Jones lost a primary for that seat to Democrat Representative Dan Goldman.

In a statement shared with the RCT, Jones congratulated his opponent on holding to his seat and thanked supporters. “I knew from the results in 2022 that this race would be an uphill battle, but with American democracy on the line, I had a responsibility to do my part to defend it from MAGA extremism”, stated Jones.

Jones continued,  “Unfortunately, the environment hasn’t changed much in New York since 2022, and it is always extremely difficult to unseat an incumbent. The data clearly show that this is not the same district Biden would have won by 10 points in the last presidential election. Despite our regrettable loss, and Donald Trump’s return to the White House, I remain optimistic about America’s future. Our nation’s history shows us that progress is not linear. Progress comes in fits. As we continue on America’s long march towards freedom, I am ever grateful to the thousands of volunteers who poured their hearts and souls into this race, and to the thousands of Lower Hudson Valley voters who share my vision of a better world..I wish Congressman Mike Lawler, whom I have known for years, the very best in his next term.”

The 17th District, which includes all of Rockland and Putnam Counties as well as parts of Westchester and Dutchess Counties, was considered to be one of the most competitive congressional districts in the nation.  The district leans Democratic and was carried by President Joe Biden in 2020.

Leading up to election day, the race in the 17th District was one of the most expensive in the nation with total spending on both sides topping $40 million.