New York 2: Open Seat Shifts to More Vulnerable Category
Years of predictions finally came true as GOP Rep. Peter King of New York announced he will not seek re-election in the 2nd District. His decision leaves behind another competitive open seat in the suburbs for Republicans to defend.
In 2016, President Donald Trump carried the southern Long Island district by a significant margin, 53-44 percent, but the longtime congressman’s narrow margin of victory in 2018 (6 points) is fueling Democratic optimism, particularly now that he is not running.
The 2nd is not a typical suburban district that has shifted away from Trump, and belongs in a separate category from districts in Orange County, California or Northern Virginia. There’s a sizable enough white, non-college educated electorate in eastern Long Island to keep the district competitive.
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo carried the 2nd by 4 points in 2018, even though he won statewide by 23 points. Also that cycle, King defeated Democrat Liuba Grechen Shirley 53-47 percent. Despite her loss, she made national news for obtaining a ruling from the Federal Election Commission which allows candidates to use campaign funds for child care.
King already had a Democratic challenger this cycle in Babylon Town Councilwoman Jackie Gordon. As an Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran, she entered the race with high expectations. She had $127,000 in her campaign account on Sept. 30, along with endorsements from EMILY’s List and End Citizens United.
Now that the seat is open, other…
