NY Democrat outperforms GOP rivals in key swing district
Rep. Pat Ryan Raises Over $3 Million Without Super PACs
Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY) has made an impressive fundraising effort, raising over $3 million in 2023 without any assistance from super PACs. This comes as he gears up to battle Republicans in the only New York swing seat that has Democrats concerned.
In a statement released by Ryan’s campaign, it was revealed that he received nearly $3.2 million in donations last year from 5,500 individuals. What’s even more remarkable is that 90% of these donations were under $50. In the fourth quarter alone, Ryan raised an impressive $761,394.25, leaving him with $2.2 million in cash on hand at the end of 2023.
On the Republican side, candidate Alison Esposito, who is backed by national Republicans, has raised $250,194 since entering the race in October 2023. However, campaign finance records do not show any money raised for Esposito. Another Republican candidate, Lovelynn Gwinn, has raised $14,033 and currently has $7,792.14 in cash on hand. Ryan’s campaign reported that Gwinn raised $19,790.
Grassroots Energy Fuels Ryan’s Campaign
Kevin Ralph, Ryan’s finance director, expressed excitement about the grassroots support behind Ryan’s campaign. He stated, “The grassroots energy that powered Pat to two hugely consequential victories in 2022 is only getting stronger. Pat isn’t accepting a cent of corporate PAC money, and he’s proven that it doesn’t matter how many far-right MAGA extremists Republicans throw at him – the Hudson Valley knows Pat fights on the side of freedom.”
New York is becoming a significant battleground state for both Republicans and Democrats. Democrats received a victory when the state’s top court ruled that congressional maps need to be redrawn before the 2024 election, giving the Democratic-controlled state legislature the ultimate deciding power. The campaign arm of House Democrats is already targeting vulnerable Republicans, including Reps. Anthony D’Esposito, Mike Lawler, and Marc Molinaro, who flipped their districts blue in the narrow 2022 midterm elections win.
However, Democrats are also keeping a close eye on the 18th District, where Ryan is the only Democrat facing a competitive reelection contest. He previously served as the representative for New York’s 19th District from 2022 to 2023 after winning a special election.
Republicans targeted Ryan’s seat in 2022 as part of their anticipated red wave, but his ability to hold onto the seat was one of several displays that the red wave did not materialize as expected. Although Ryan won by a slim margin, it gave Republicans hope that they might be able to flip the seat red.
Ryan is likely to face Esposito, a former New York City Police Department deputy inspector who lost the 2022 contest for lieutenant governor. Democrats will need to protect Ryan’s seat if they hope to regain control of the House in 2024. The House Majority PAC, the main Democratic super PAC in House campaigns, has already announced a $45 million investment in New York and has established a war room since April.
How has Rep. Ryan been able to generate grassroots energy and enthusiasm for his campaign, leading to successful fundraising efforts?
Bout the campaign’s fundraising success. He attributed it to the grassroots energy and enthusiasm that has been generated around Rep. Ryan’s campaign. Ralph stated, “The fact that over 90% of our donations are less than $50 shows the incredible support we have from everyday New Yorkers who believe in Pat’s vision and want to see real change in our government.”
This grassroots energy has been evident in the various events and fundraisers held by the campaign. From small house parties to large rallies, Rep. Ryan has been able to connect with voters on a personal level and build a strong support base. This has translated into significant financial contributions from individuals who believe in his message and are eager to see him succeed.
The absence of super PACs in Rep. Ryan’s fundraising efforts is particularly noteworthy in today’s political landscape. Super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose candidates, often play a significant role in campaign financing. However, Ryan has made a conscious decision to reject such assistance, as he believes that it undermines the integrity of the political process.
By refusing to accept funds from super PACs, Rep. Ryan has shown a commitment to campaign finance reform and to reducing the influence of big money in politics. This has resonated with voters, who see him as a candidate who is truly committed to representing their interests and not those of wealthy special interests.
The money raised by Rep. Ryan will be crucial as he enters into what is expected to be a highly competitive race. The swing seat that he is vying for has traditionally gone back and forth between Republicans and Democrats, making it a key battleground in the fight for control of Congress. With the funds he has raised, Ryan will be able to invest in a strong ground game and advertise his message effectively.
In conclusion, Rep. Pat Ryan has proven himself to be a formidable fundraiser, raising over $3 million without the assistance of super PACs. His ability to connect with grassroots supporters and generate enthusiasm for his campaign has allowed him to build a strong and diverse support base. By rejecting funds from super PACs, he has demonstrated a commitment to campaign finance reform and to putting the interests of everyday New Yorkers first. With the 2024 election approaching, Ryan’s fundraising success will serve as a vital asset in his battle for the swing seat in New York.
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