Pat Ryan addresses border crisis, calls out GOP fearmongering
- During a recent Zoom town hall, Congressman Pat Ryan dismissed Republican concerns about crime and border security as fearmongering.
- Ryan stated that his campaign would focus on issues like abortion rights and economic policies, where Democrats are seen as more reliable.
- His opponent, Alison Esposito, has criticized Ryan's past sanctuary policies, framing them as detrimental to border security in a competitive election.
Democratic Congressman Pat Ryan, facing a tight re-election race in New York, participated in a Zoom town hall where he criticized Republican narratives surrounding crime and border security. He labeled the GOP's focus on these issues as 'fearmongering,' asserting that it is the primary concern affecting public safety. Ryan emphasized that his campaign would prioritize issues like abortion rights and economic policies, where Democrats are perceived as more trustworthy. Despite his stance, Ryan has a record of advocating for border security, having led bipartisan efforts to address the migrant crisis and supporting legislation aimed at combating fentanyl trafficking. His opponent, Alison Esposito, has criticized him for his past actions as a proponent of sanctuary policies, arguing that they undermine border security. The political landscape in New York's 18th district is competitive, with the Cook Political Report indicating a 'Lean Democrat' rating for the race, highlighting the significance of these issues in the upcoming election.