It’s down to the wire for the candidates in New York’s 22nd Congressional District. Freshman Republican incumbent Brandon Williams is hoping to fend off a challenge from Democratic nominee John Mannion in one of the few races that could determine which party controls the House. In an interview, Mannion says he better reflects the interests of the region.
We offered Republican Brandon Williams the same opportunity for an interview, but he never responded. We caught him at at a get-out-the-vote rally on Friday at the CNY Regional Market where U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson joined him. Excerpts of his speech can be heard in the audio clip above, following Mannion's interview.
Johnson and Williams held a brief availability with reporters afterward, where Johnson was asked if he agreed with former President Trump’s assertion that the CHIPS and Science Act is a bad deal. The $54 billion legislation helped lure Micron to Central New York. Johnson says a GOP house majority would "probably repeal" the CHIPS Act, but Williams says he would not support such a move.
Johnson, in statements from Williams' campaign, apologized, saying he misheard the question. He clarified he does stand with Williams in supporting Micron's investment in CNY through the CHIPS Act. Back pedaling aside, his initial remarks were the subject of national news over the weekend.
Williams, however, did express some dismay over the delays in starting construction on the Micron semiconductor chip fab in Clay, citing strict state and federal environmental regulations.
Mannion's interview, Williams' remarks at the rally, and responses regarding the CHIPS Act and Micron are all included in the audio clip.
