Cook Political Report shifts Lawler's New York race toward GOP

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifted the race in New York's 17th Congressional District toward incumbent GOP Rep. Mike Lawler, now classifying it as "lean Republican."

"Despite the partisan lean of the district, Lawler maintains a slight lead over former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones, who held a previous version of this seat for a single term before redistricting scrambled his reelection prospects," Cook's Erin Covey wrote Friday.

Lawler has faced some criticism in recent weeks, as the Republican apologized earlier this month for wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume portraying pop star Michael Jackson during a college party in 2006.

Covey, however, wrote that the incident "doesn’t appear to have had a significant effect on the race, and Jones and his allies have focused much more on tying him to Donald Trump."

Jones had mostly aligned with progressives while in office, which Lawler has highlighted. Covey noted Jones endorsed Westchester County Executive George Latimer (D) in his bid to unseat Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) earlier this year, which caused him to lose support from progressive organizations.

Covey also highlighted the fundraising strength of the Jones campaign, which has raised more money than any other Democratic candidate in New York.

Reports show Jones raised more than $6.4 million, compared to Lawler's almost $3.3 million. Jones ended with more than $2.3 million cash on hand, while Lawler had nearly $1.9 million.

Both the Congressional Leadership Fund, which helps fund Republican House candidates, and the Democrats' House Majority PAC have invested in this race, $8 million and $6.4 million, respectively, Covey wrote.