Republicans in New York are turning out in record numbers to cast their ballots early, signaling a potential upset in the Empire State as GOP voters show strong enthusiasm to influence key races across the nation. Party leaders are rallying supporters, urging them to keep the momentum going as the stakes rise with the White House and House of Representatives up for grabs.
“For the first time since President Reagan, New York may actually be in play for the presidential race and will certainly be crucial in determining House control,” Rep. Elise Stefanik, a top-ranking Republican, told The Post on Saturday. “Republicans across New York and nationwide are voting early in historic numbers, but we can’t afford to get complacent.”
Through Thursday, nearly 2 million votes had already been cast across New York, including over 700,000 in New York City alone, putting the state on track to exceed its early voting totals from 2020, when 2.5 million early ballots were cast. New York Republicans report especially high GOP turnout in battleground congressional districts, where early Republican turnout has soared beyond 2022 levels, paving a promising path for potential seat flips.
Data gathered by New York Republicans highlights a substantial lead in early voting for the GOP across several districts, including Suffolk County’s 1st Congressional District, where Republicans are outpacing Democrats by over 9%. GOP insiders are calling it a sign of strength that could secure critical seats across the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and upstate regions.
“New York Democrats, led by Governor Kathy Hochul, are in a total free fall, and no amount of spin can cover it up,” said Alex DeGrasse, executive director for Stefanik’s campaign. “Republicans are vastly outperforming our 2022 early voting margins in every seat, with some districts seeing a 50% boost in turnout.”
Republican incumbent Nick LaLota is anticipated to win in Suffolk County’s 1st District, as GOP early voters have outpaced Democrats. Other swing districts, including two additional Long Island seats, show Democrats still holding a slim lead in early voting — but the GOP’s rapid gains are closing the gap.
Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican from Long Island, emphasized the critical need for every concerned voter to cast their ballot, particularly those unhappy with the current direction of the country. “We need every voter who’s concerned with where we’re headed under Democratic leadership in Washington and Albany to get out and help Republicans across the finish line in close races like mine,” D’Esposito urged.
In a stark shift from 2020, former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind early voting, urging his base to participate in record-breaking numbers. The GOP’s strong early voting turnout isn’t limited to New York; swing states like Georgia and North Carolina are also reporting historic numbers for Republican voters, with more than 73 million Americans having already voted nationwide.
University of Florida Election Lab data shows that, across the 26 states reporting party registration, Democrats make up 38.2% of early voters, while Republicans account for 36%, and 25.8% are independents and other party members. Republicans hope this early momentum will carry through to Election Day, potentially setting the stage for key victories in critical swing states and battleground districts nationwide.