HUDSON VALLEY/CATSKILLS- The latest ratings from the Cook Political Report show significant differences among the three Hudson Valley congressional races, with New York’s 17th District rated a “toss-up,” the 18th rated “solid Democrat,” and the 19th rated “likely Democrat.”
The September 25th ratings place Republican Congressman Mike Lawler’s NY-17 among the 22 House races nationally considered “toss-ups,” the category Cook uses for races it considers the most competitive. Lawler’s district includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester counties.
By comparison, Democratic Congressman Pat Ryan’s NY-18, which includes much of Orange County and the Mid-Hudson Valley, is rated “solid Democrat.” Democratic Congressman Josh Riley’s NY-19, stretching across parts of the eastern Southern Tier and Hudson Valley, is rated “likely Democrat.”
Cook’s ratings are based on factors including the political makeup of each district, candidates, and the state and national political environment. The publication defines a “toss-up” as its most competitive category, while “likely” and “solid” races are considered progressively less competitive.
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