Former CNN anchor Avlon to take on GOP incumbent LaLota in congressional race in NY 1st district
SUFFOLK COUNTY, New York (WABC) -- On Tuesday, Democratic voters on Long Island picked former CNN anchor John Avlon as the candidate who will challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in a district that's been controlled by the GOP for a decade.
Avlon defeated retired chemistry professor Nancy Goroff in the Democratic primary with 70% of the votes.
But the 1st congressional district race could be a further uphill battle for the former Rudy Giuliani speechwriter.
Avlon still has to beat LaLota who is currently serving his first term for a seat extending from the Suffolk-Nassau border of Melville to Montauk.
The district has become a priority for Democrats as the party tries to flip suburban seats in New York as part of a strategy to win a House majority.
"Is winning a swing district a challenge? Yes. Is it actually an important challenge because it reflects what we need more of in our country, which is more competitive general elections, you bet." Avlon said.
All four congressional districts on Long Island flipped red in 2022 until this year when longtime Democrat Tom Suozzi replaced expelled Republican Rep. George Santos in a special election.
LaLota, who said he is endorsing former President Donald Trump, is forging forward.
"The issues are on our side, when you ask Suffolk County voters what's most important, you hear things like the border, you hear things like the economy, and those are good issues for Republicans and common sense conservatives like me," LaLota said.
Avlon has challenged LaLota to multiple public debates.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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