Just two weeks before Election Day, Democrat Pat Ryan is releasing a new ad previewing his closing argument of the 2024 campaign cycle.
In the minute-long spot, shared first with Spectrum News, the congressman and Army veteran leans in on the theme of patriotism. Speaking directly to the camera, he says, “The only flag I pledge allegiance to is the one I wore on my shoulder in combat.”
The ad will air on television and digital platforms. The campaign declined to share details on the size of the ad buy.
Ryan is seeking to fend off a challenge from Republican Alison Esposito, a 25-year veteran of the NYPD who unsuccessfully ran for New York lieutenant governor in 2022.
In the ad, Ryan points to areas where he says he “pissed a few people off” by taking a stand, invoking his call for President Joe Biden to take executive action on the border, plus his push for an investigation into utility company Central Hudson.
He argues that Esposito, by contrast, “wouldn’t dare” stand up to her party or former President Donald Trump.
Esposito has accused Ryan of being a “rubber stamp” for the Biden administration, and has repeatedly sought to tie him to the surge of migrants into New York state.
The 18th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Orange, Ulster and Dutchess counties, is one of several competitive congressional districts across the state that both parties are targeting in their bid to win control of the U.S. House.
The Cook Political Report rates the race “lean Democrat.”