"Mike Lawler Receives Positive Polling Results in Blue-State Race That May Support GOP Efforts to Keep House Majority"

Republican New York Rep. Mike Lawler’s bid for reelection in the 17th Congressional District has been upgraded to “lean Republican,” according to a Cook Political Report published on Friday.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report reclassified the race, indicating it now favors incumbent Lawler in a contest that could be pivotal for determining the House majority in November. Lawler, whose victory in 2022 was critical for the GOP's control of the House, currently holds a slight lead over former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones.

“Despite the district's partisan leanings, Lawler maintains a narrow advantage over Jones, who previously held this seat for one term before redistricting complicated his reelection chances,” noted Erin Covey from Cook Political.