New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler’s re-election campaign in the 17th Congressional District has been changed to “Lean Republican,” according to the Cook Political Report published Friday.

nonpartisan Cook Political report rNew York’s 17th Congressional District race is currently classified as E, favoring incumbent Lawler in a race that could determine who wins the House majority in November. Mr. Lawler holds a slight edge over his challenger, former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones, whose 2022 victory was crucial to Republicans gaining a House majority in 2022.

“Despite the district’s partisan bias, Mr. Lawler is a candidate for former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones, who held the seat for one term before redistricting derailed his re-election prospects,” said Erin Covey of Cook Political. He maintains a narrow lead over lawmakers.”

On Friday, the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter changed Mr. Lawler’s race against Mr. Jones from a “strong Republican” to a “lean Republican.”@maxpcohen Here are the details:https://t.co/XzDktKCI5R

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Lawler recently apologized for an incident in 2006 in which he dressed up as Michael Jackson and wore blackface at a college party, Cook Political reported. (Related article: Democratic Party, once hailed as a “rising star” of the left, criticizes “trust fund socialists” within the party)

Jones has also faced criticism from some progressives for endorsing George Latimer against New York Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman, Cook Political reported. It was reported that the move caused setbacks within the party. Nevertheless, Mr. Jones outraised all other Democratic candidates in New York state, raising more than $6.4 million, significantly more than Mr. Lawler’s approximately $3.3 million.

The race has also received significant attention from political organizations across the country, with the Congressional Leadership Fund and House Majority PAC contributing $8 million and $6.4 million to support Republican and Democratic candidates, respectively, according to Cook Political. I’m putting in a lot of money.

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