Former CNN anchor John Avlon has officially declared his candidacy for Congress in New York’s first district, joining a crowded field of Democratic contenders aiming to unseat a first-term Republican incumbent.
The significance of Avlon’s entry into the race is underscored by the importance of the Long Island seat, currently held by Rep. Nick LaLota, which played a pivotal role in the GOP’s narrow House majority during the 2022 midterm elections.
In a video shared on social media Wednesday morning, Avlon emphasized the critical state of American democracy, stating, “Right now, our democracy’s in danger.” He urged active participation in the electoral process, stressing that “this election is not a drill” and urging citizens to move beyond the sidelines.
Avlon didn’t hold back in his criticism of former President Trump and his supporters, condemning what he sees as their disregard for addressing pressing issues. As a co-founder of the centrist organization No Labels, Avlon has been a proponent of bipartisanship and problem-solving in politics.
In his final piece for CNN, Avlon reflected on the nation’s exhaustion with politics and news, while also condemning what he described as the “cowardice and cynicism” of Trump and the House GOP.
In response to Avlon’s candidacy, the House GOP’s campaign arm dismissed him as a “leftist” and promised to scrutinize his background. Likewise, LaLota’s campaign portrayed Avlon as a “Manhattan elitist” with little connection to Long Island beyond owning a summer home in the Hamptons.
Avlon’s decision to run comes after a recent Democratic victory in another New York congressional district, further diminishing the House GOP’s majority and highlighting their struggles to advance legislative priorities.
Overall, Avlon’s candidacy adds another layer of competition to an already intense political landscape, underscoring the ongoing battle for control of Congress.
