Former CNN anchor wins Democratic primary to run against Republican Nick LaLota in New York.

Former CNN anchor John Avlon emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for New York’s 1st congressional district, paving the way for an anticipated high-profile battle against Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in November.

Avlon, who also served as a speechwriter for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, faced off against former Stony Brook University professor Nancy Goroff, who had previously run and lost in the district in 2020.

During the primary, Avlon received endorsements from Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as fellow New York Democratic Reps. Dan Goldman and Tom Suozzi.

According to Avlon’s website, the goal is to “build the broadest possible coalition to defeat Donald Trump, defend democracy, and win back the House from his extreme MAGA minions.”

While the congressional seat may be considered relatively secure compared to other Republican-held seats in the New York City metro area, it remains a crucial battleground in determining which party controls the House of Representatives in the following year.

LaLota represents one of 17 Republicans in districts that President Biden won in the 2020 election.

The seat was vacated by former Rep. Lee Zeldin, who retired to pursue the New York governorship. Zeldin had previously flipped the seat for Republicans when he defeated incumbent Rep. Tim Bishop in 2014.

Similar to Zeldin, LaLota has aligned himself with former President Trump, being among the first swing seat Republicans to endorse Trump for reelection.

Trump, in turn, endorsed LaLota on Truth Social, highlighting his efforts to boost the economy, lower inflation, support the military and police, secure the border, uphold the rule of law, and protect constitutional rights.

LaLota, a Navy veteran, serves on the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Small Business committees.

With the stage set for a fierce electoral showdown between Avlon and LaLota, all eyes are on the upcoming November election to see who will emerge victorious in New York’s 1st congressional district.