After significant losses two years ago, New York Democrats are using a familiar strategy in key House races: accusing Republicans of opposing abortion rights. This approach has proven effective in tough races across the country.
Democrats are focusing on Republican incumbents’ voting records, highlighting what they say is hypocrisy. For example, Josh Riley launched a digital ad attacking Rep. Marc Molinaro on abortion, while Laura Gillen wrote an opinion piece criticizing Rep. Anthony D’Esposito for allegedly threatening women’s freedoms. Rep. Pat Ryan also released a TV ad against his challenger, Alison Esposito, for supporting the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Abortion remains a key issue, especially for suburban women, as strict bans are being enacted across the country. New York Democrats hope to use this issue to their advantage, particularly in six competitive districts that could determine control of the House.
Democratic consultant Alyssa Cass emphasized that despite Republican claims of moderation, their voting records show otherwise. Democrats are also supported by the upcoming Equal Rights Amendment on the ballot and Kamala Harris leading the ticket.
Democrats argue that recent Republican votes could lead to a nationwide abortion ban, which is a major concern in a state like New York, where reproductive rights are protected.
However, Republicans, including Molinaro and Rep. Mike Lawler, deny the accusations and accuse Democrats of lying and focusing on the wrong issues. They argue that abortion is not a major concern for voters in New York, where abortion rights are already protected.
Democrats are highlighting Republican votes on issues like funding crisis pregnancy centers and restricting abortion access for military women. They are also pointing out the connections between New York Republicans and national anti-abortion leaders.
Despite these attacks, Molinaro and Lawler stress that they do not support a nationwide abortion ban and have shown support for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Both have introduced or supported legislation to protect IVF and have rejected the idea of a nationwide abortion ban.
Lawler argues that abortion is not under threat in New York, and Democrats are making it an issue unnecessarily. However, Democrats, including challenger Mondaire Jones, claim that Republicans cannot be trusted on this issue.
Republicans, like D’Esposito, are pushing back against these claims, accusing Democrats of spreading false narratives about a nationwide abortion ban.