The head of the New York State Democratic Party says he’s optimistic heading into the November general election after this week’s primary. Part of Jay Jacobs's job is to make sure Democrats field strong congressional candidates for this fall. He says time will tell where voters stand.
“Over the next several weeks, and into October, you know, the world changes, things happen. And those things impact the voters’ mood, the basic political environment, so we just don't know. And I would say this: if the Republicans do take the House, it won't be by a lot. And if Democrats hold the House, I think also it won't be by a lot,” Jacobs said.
And, he feels hopeful about Democrats' prospects in the 50-50 Senate. Besides the congressional races, Jacobs also has his eye on the race for governor. He says Gov. Kathy Hochul has been far more collaborative and has changed the tone in Albany.
“You have to win over voters. And that means that Kathy Hochul has to have done a bad job and it's quite the opposite. She's done a great job. Kathy Hochul is likable. And I think the voters will like her. And on top of which result Lee Zeldin’s views and things that he supports are completely opposed to what the mainstream New York voters support. So I just don't see how you translate that into a win for him,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs says Zeldin’s position on abortion and opposition to any gun regulations just doesn’t appeal to most New Yorkers. He also says the representative’s refusal to certify Joe Biden’s election as president won’t sit well with most voters.
“He's continued to maintain the election was stolen. That's a crackpot, frankly, I mean, I'm sorry, that is a crackpot. If you believe that, and I don't even think he believes it. I think he just feels that's how he can get support from other crackpots that he's looking for. That's complete nonsense, that the election was stolen, and they all know it,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs spoke with WAMC's Ian Pickus in Albany.
