CNN Critic John Avlon Runs for Congress in Red District

Former CNN anchor and political analyst John Avlon, known for his strong criticism of former President Donald Trump, has declared his candidacy for Congress as a Democrat in New York's 1st Congressional District. Avlon, who left CNN in February, aims to unseat Republican Rep. Nick LaLota, emphasizing his commitment to "defeat Donald Trump" and his supporters. His announcement comes as he seeks to represent a district that has historically leaned Republican. Avlon's political history is complex; he has never identified as a Republican, having volunteered for Bill Clinton's presidential campaign, yet he also served as a speechwriter for former Republican New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He describes himself as a "common-sense Democrat," but critics, including NewsBusters executive editor Tim Graham, suggest that his past at CNN indicates he may be a partisan figure in Congress. His disdain for Trump has been evident since 2015, when he was editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast, where he frequently criticized the former president and his supporters. Avlon has consistently warned of the dangers posed by Trump, labeling him a threat to democracy and expressing concern over the potential consequences of his re-election. He has also supported claims regarding Hunter Biden's laptop, which were labeled as disinformation by some. As Avlon embarks on his congressional campaign, he aims to address key issues such as democracy, affordability, and abortion, positioning himself as a candidate focused on the pressing concerns of his constituents.