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Castelli wins Democratic primary in NY-21, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney survives primary challenge

Matt Castelli declares victory in the Democratic primary for NY's 21st Congressional District during a speech in Glens Falls on Aug. 23, 2022.
Lucas Willard
Matt Castelli declares victory in the Democratic primary for NY's 21st Congressional District during a speech in Glens Falls on Aug. 23, 2022.

Democrat Matt Castelli will take on New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in November’s race for the 21st Congressional District. Castelli, a former CIA officer, defeated Matt Purtorti in Tuesday’s primary.

Stefanik, the number Three House Republican, welcomed Castelli to the race in a statement calling him a “radical far-left Democrat” and touting a fundraising advantage.

Castelli has focused his first run for office on “country before party” and describes Stefanik as far-right, calling the race the most important in the country.

"The frontline battle for the soul of America is right here in New York’s 21st district, and the nation is watching," Castelli said in a statement.

Purtorti congratulated Castelli and pledged his support to defeat Stefanik.

Hudson Valley Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney beat New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi in Tuesday’s Democratic primary for the 17th House District seat. The Associated Press called the race for Maloney around 10 p.m.

“Voters in the Hudson Valley have spoken: they want leaders who will put partisanship aside to get real results," Maloney said in a statement. "Thank you to the people of NY-17 for your faith in me. It is the honor of my life to represent Hudson Valley families in Congress, and I am humbled to have the Democratic nomination and opportunity to continue fighting for our communities. Thank you to Senator Alessandra Biaggi for running a good race. This primary made us stronger and together we will keep fighting for a better future for our country, starting with holding this seat and holding the House."

Maloney has represented the 18th District since 2013 and currently chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He’ll face Republican State Assemblyman Mike Lawler of Rockland County in November.

“Now is the time to come together and ensure the Hudson Valley resoundly rejects the radical, anti-choice, pro-gun policies of MAGA Republican Mike Lawler," said Maloney.

“I congratulate Congressman Maloney on his primary victory, but will work day and night to defeat him on Tuesday, November 8," Lawler said in a statement Tuesday night. "My neighbors literally can’t afford another two years of him in Congress.”

Biaggi has served in the state Senate since 2019, representing parts of the Bronx and Westchester County.

With Republicans hoping to flip the seat, Maloney became a target of the progressive left and Biaggi as well when he decided to run in the new 17th district, displacing first-term incumbent Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones, who ran in New York City instead.

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