Multiple local Democrats and labor groups are warning that New York, a generally safe Democratic state, may be up for grabs in 2024, according to Politico.
New York has been a safe Democratic state for the Presidential election since 1984. It has been dominated by the party locally since 2006. Yet, since the shock election of 2022, when Governor Hochul won by just six points and multiple Republicans won New York suburbs, the status of New York as "safe" has increasingly come into doubt.
President Biden's poor performance during his debate with former President Trump, combined with general anger regarding the economy and immigration issues, means support for the President is very soft, even in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2 to 1.
Polls show Independents often siding with Republicans in assessing Biden's performance, and many Democrats are alarmed at the low level of support for both parties, which means lower turnout.
As one high level New York Democrat said: "It’s never been more important for a Democratic House member to focus on building their own local brand and to run on that. Biden isn’t going to be handing out coattails no matter what. He’s only got anchors."
