L-R-NYGOP Chair Ed Cox, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel, Congressman Mike Lawler, with other republicans
By Dan Murphy
RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel came to Northern Westchester last week, to open a Republican Hispanic Community Outreach Center in Cortland Manor. The center’s opening is part of an effort by the NY and National GOP to help Congressman Mike Lawler in his reelection bid next year.
Rep. Lawler won election last year by defeating Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney. Next year, Lawler is expected to face former Westchester Congressman Mondaire Jones, in the 17th Congressional District, which includes northern Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties.
With 19% of residents in the 17th CD being Latino, Lawler and republicans are hoping to reach out and connect on several issues that the Latino community may be inclined to vote republican on. “I was proud to celebrate the opening of the RNC’s new Hispanic Community Center in Cortland this weekend with RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, New York Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox, Westchester Republican County Committee Chairman Doug Colety, Assemblyman Matt Slater, and so many other leaders and members of our Hudson Valley community. To our Latino communities in Haverstraw, Peekskill, Ossining, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, Mount Kisco, and across #NY17 — we welcome you, we want you to be part of the Republican Party, we want you to be able to succeed and achieve your dreams, your hopes, your vision for your future and that of your families, and we want you to have all of the economic opportunities America has to offer,” said Lawler.
NY GOP Chair Ed Cox was also in attendance, as were Assemblyman Matt Slater and County Legislator James Nolan. Together with Lawler, Slater and Nolan make up the only three elected republicans in county, state, and federal office from Westchester County. Former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino was also in attendance.
The presence of RNC Chair McDaniel is proof of how important Lawler’s reelection is to the GOP. Republicans hold a narrow 5 seat majority in the House. The Hispanic Community Center is located at 2050 East. Main Street, Cortlandt.
McDaniel told reporters that this is the earliest that the RNC has opened an outreach center, with many upcoming events coming. “they’re going to know that the Republican Party is their home and Mike Lawler should remain their congressman,” McDaniel said.
NYGOP Chair Ed Cox said that republicans will need all the help they can get next year, 2024, a Presidential year that usually, “in blue states a lot of Democrats show up, so it’s going to be a hard fight.” Cox predicted that democrats could spend up to $50 Million to win back the 17th CD.
