VOTE 2022: News 12 breaks down one of NY's most competitive midterm contests

Crime, the economy and women's rights highlight the most pressing issues in district.

Jonathan Gordon

Oct 28, 2022, 10:06 PM

Updated 767 days ago

Share:

Control of the House could run right through the Hudson Valley - with a lot of focus on New York's 18th Congressional District.
Crime, the economy and women's rights highlight the most pressing issues in district.
Incumbent Democrat Pat Ryan picked up a huge victory during the August special election for the 19th Congressional District under the old lines, which many considered a bellwether ahead of the midterms.
But state Assemblyman Colin Schmitt and Republicans have spent a lot of time and money to turn the 18th District red.
Ryan is already touting his time in office - passing a veterans housing bill, pushing efforts to reverse climate change and protecting democracy.
Schmitt's platform includes repealing bail reform, cracking down on immigration and funding for more police officers.
It has been a brutal race with both sides taking shots over topics such as the cost of living and immigration.
The issue of abortion also took center stage during the special election, and it could very well sway this race.
Schmitt supports the Supreme Court ruling, while Ryan would vote in favor of federally protecting women's rights.
The new lines include Orange County plus parts of Dutchess and Ulster, giving Democrats a slight edge as voters preferred Biden by about eight percentage points.