RNC (Republican National Committee) Chairman Joe Gruters was making the media rounds after Tuesday's New York primary, pointing out that Republicans are not only on offense for the midterms, but have a good chance to hold and flip even more seats in the Empire State — especially after the Mamdani/Democrat Socialist takeover on Tuesday night.
Gruters dubbed the New York Democrat socialist slate accurately: "leftwing wackadoos who only a mother could love." But that doesn't mean he is taking any chances on New York. The RNC has a war chest of $123.8 million cash on hand, which means they have money to play with. Like epically trolling House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), as my colleague Nick Arama detailed.
I think it's fair to say the Democrats are imploding. They embraced more of the radical left, and now it's come back to bite them big time.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) sent Jeffries flowers and a condolence card.
NEW: The @NRCC has delivered flowers and a condolences card to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) DC office after the House candidates he endorsed lost to Mamdani-backed socialists in NY last night.
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) June 24, 2026
NRCC statement to @FoxNews:
"Three losses in one night is tough. We… pic.twitter.com/tBhVrRZYzH
NRCC statement to @FoxNews:
"Three losses in one night is tough. We wanted so-called 'Leader' Jeffries to know our thoughts are with him, his candidates, and whatever remains of his influence in the Democrat Party." – NRCC Spokesman Mike Marinella
Read More: As Dems Implode, Hakeem Jeffries Gets a Big Warning That Has Everyone Talking
RNC Chairman Announces Election Integrity Surge Across the US Ahead of 2026 Midterms
In a Wednesday Newsmax appearance, Gruters made it clear that there are no middle of the road Democrats any longer and New Yorkers, and Americans, will have a choice this November between crazy or normal. The rest of that war chest is going to be spent on brightening that line, and lots of it will be poured into New York state campaigns.
WATCH:
The far-left have taken over the Democrat Party so much so that there is no middle of the road Democrats anymore.
— Chairman Joe Gruters (@ChairmanGruters) June 24, 2026
Voters will have a choice come November - crazy versus normal. pic.twitter.com/a7bWwo2Eo3
Gruters said in a Tuesday radio interview that "we are very high on Congressman Lawler," which indicates not only plans to feature Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) heavily in other candidates' campaigns, but the NRCC plans to pour money into ensuring New York 17 stays in Republican hands against Democrat Cait Conley, an Iraqi War veteran and national security specialist.
Cait Conley is a carpetbagger who has never answered for her role in the botched Afghanistan withdrawal that cost 13 American lives and left the Taliban with billions in abandoned military equipment.
— Chairman Joe Gruters (@ChairmanGruters) June 24, 2026
Voters will reject her outright and re-elect proven fighter @lawler4ny. https://t.co/1tSKFftgHN
Cait Conley is a carpetbagger who has never answered for her role in the botched Afghanistan withdrawal that cost 13 American lives and left the Taliban with billions in abandoned military equipment.
Voters will reject her outright and re-elect proven fighter @lawler4ny.
With that type of intel, this New York 17 race is looking to be quite the contest.
Gruters had high praise for Lawler, deeming him, "one of the most important members of the Republican team."
LISTEN:
Mike @lawler4ny is a champion for New York. Always has been; always will be! https://t.co/SRIgZcpX21
— Chairman Joe Gruters (@ChairmanGruters) June 23, 2026
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) is also defending her House seat against Democrat Mike DeCillis, a former NYPD officer who is attempting to play to that normal scale. Gruters is also looking to flip New York congressional districts 3 and 4, backing tax official Jeanine Driscoll to wrest the seat from incumbent Rep. Laura Gillen (D-04), and backing former state assemblyman Mike LiPetri to defeat incumbent Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-03). This district was held by former Republican Congressman George Santos before he was expelled.
Congrats to Mike LiPetri, who will be a tireless fighter for Nassau County!
— Chairman Joe Gruters (@ChairmanGruters) June 24, 2026
Long Islanders are ready to kick Suozzi out and vote for LiPetri in this November. https://t.co/9gpybKGnZH
Former state senator Peter Oberacker is taking on incumbent Rep. Josh Riley (D) for NY-19. Elise Stefanik (R-21) is serving her last term in Congress, and Gruters and President Donald Trump have backed Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino to run for the District 21 seat against Democrat farmer Blake Gendebien, in order to keep it in Republican hands.
District 22 is also looking competitive for Republicans, with Republican Kailee Buller, the former chief of staff to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, going against incumbent Rep. John Mannion (D).
Gruters is looking to defy history and produce more Republican wins than losses in the midterms, with a slate of great candidates in New York and across the country. With the financial backing of the Republican Party and quality candidates who can make the case, Gruters may just get them all across the finish line.
LISTEN:
Democrats have completely lost their way - they've gone so far to the left that they hate the country they want to represent.
— Chairman Joe Gruters (@ChairmanGruters) June 24, 2026
Republicans have nominated great candidates who love America and will defy history in November. pic.twitter.com/0gNFFki6qT
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
Help RedState continue to report on the Democrats’ radicalism and inform voters as our nation faces a crossroads. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member