New polling from Emerson College Polling, conducted in partnership with PIX11 and The Hill, reveals a tight race in New York’s 17th District between incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler and Mondaire Jones.
The poll found that Lawler – the strongest supporter of Israel and Jewish NY-17 constituents the district has ever had – holds a 45% to 44% lead over Jones, with an additional 3% of voters supporting Working Families Party candidate Anthony Frascone, while 7% remain undecided.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted a generational divide in the district, saying, “Mondaire Jones is leading among voters under 40, 51% to 40%, but trails among older voters, particularly those over 50, where Lawler holds a 49% to 40% advantage.” Frascone appears to be siphoning support from younger voters, with 6% of those under 40 backing his candidacy.
Lawler’s favorability rating stands at 47%, with 40% of voters viewing him unfavorably. In comparison, Jones has a 40% favorable rating, with the same percentage viewing him negatively. Interestingly, a significant portion of the electorate say they are unfamiliar with either candidate.
The polling also offers insight into the closely-watched presidential race, which is deadlocked in the district. In NY-17, 49% of voters support Kamala Harris, and 49% back Donald Trump.
The economy ranks as the top issue for voters in the district, with 32% of NY-17 voters citing it as their primary concern. Other key issues include immigration, housing affordability, and crime, with threats to democracy also registering among voter priorities.
When asked about the surge in migrants seeking sanctuary in the United States, 56% of NY-17 voters view the situation as a crisis. About a third of voters believe the situation is a problem but not a crisis, while a smaller portion, around 10%, do not view it as a problem at all.
