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Incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler has emerged as the winner for the House seat representing Rockland and Putnam counties, most of Northern Westchester, and portions of southern Dutchess County, defeating Democratic challenger Mondaire Jones, according to the state Board of Elections.
Lawler was leading Jones 52.5 to 45.5 percent with 95 percent of the vote counted as of 2:50 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6.
The race between Lawler, age 38, and Jones, age 37, was labeled a "race to watch" by Politico in the week before the election, as it will likely play a key role in whether or not Democrats secure a majority in the House, or if Republicans keep their current advantage.
Lawler focused his campaign on issues such as securing the country's borders, reducing taxes and providing tax exemptions and credits to first responders and low-income families; reducing federal spending; supporting Israel in its fight against Hamas; and "sensible" gun-control regulations such as red flag laws to keep firearms out of the hands of those likely to harm themselves or others.
Meanwhile, Jones's campaign centered on issues like codifying Roe v. Wade in a federal statute; passing legislation to lower drug costs; increasing the minimum wage; an assault weapons ban; hiring more border agents; fighting efforts to cut social security; and also supporting Israel.
In joining the race, Jones sought to return to Congress after representing much of the 17th District in Congress from 2021 to 2023. After New York's 2020 redistricting, he moved to Brooklyn and ran for re-election in the 10th Congressional District; however, he lost the Democratic primary to current incumbent Dan Goldman.
He has since moved to Sleepy Hollow to once again live in the 17th District.
Meanwhile, before his term in Congress, Lawler was a member of the New York State Assembly from 2021 to 2022, representing the 97th district in Rockland County. He also previously worked in the Westchester County Executive's Office as an advisor to Rob Astorino and executive director of the New York State Republican Party, and was once deputy town supervisor in Orangetown.
The last poll from Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill in early October had Lawler with a slight lead over Jones, with 45 percent of those polled indicating support for Lawler and 44 percent indicating support for Jones.
Just before the election, on Friday, Oct. 25, the Cook Political Report rated the race as "Lean Republican," giving the edge to Lawler, according to Politico.
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