Congressman-Elect Mike Lawler defeated Sean Maloney, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, in a shocking defeat for the Democratic party.
As of Wednesday, with over 95% of the vote tallied, Maloney trailed Lawler 45 percent to 54 percent.
Lawler has dealt Democrats a large unexpected blow in an area that President Biden won by 10 points in 2020. New York’s 17th Congressional District includes all of Rockland County, amongst others, which has a very large Orthodox population.
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) has conceded his race to Republican challenger Mike Lawler, handing Republicans a major symbolic victory in their quest to take control of the House.
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) has conceded his race to Republican challenger Mike Lawler, his office said Wednesday, handing Republicans a major symbolic victory in their quest to take control of the House. https://t.co/T4eb2QQxFe pic.twitter.com/nG2LoVAKQp
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 9, 2022
Lawler responded following the call: “Humble in victory, gracious in defeat. I want to thank Rep. Sean Maloney for his decade of service to the Hudson Valley and for his gracious call to me this morning. Campaigns are tough and he was a tough, and worthy opponent. I wish Sean and Randy well in their future endeavors.”
There will be lots of second-guessing here, mostly around Maloney's decision to hop districts after New York's new maps came down.
He campaigned for the DCCC job, after all, on idea that he knew how to win tough races in swing districts. He's not the only NY Dem underperforming
— Nicholas Fandos (@npfandos) November 9, 2022
Huge win in #NY17! Mike Lawler fought tooth and nail to defeat the Chairman of the @dccc, and will be a strong voice for freedom in Congress. Well done! @lawler4ny pic.twitter.com/jEzVleONUF
— Kevin McCarthy (@kevinomccarthy) November 9, 2022
