A former New York Police Department officer has secured his party's nomination to challenge an incumbent Republican representative in the House of Representatives. Michael DeCillis won a Democratic primary, setting up a matchup with Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. The race is one of many pivotal contests that will help determine the balance of power in the House, where Republicans currently hold a slim majority.
DeCillis faces an uphill challenge in November, as New York Republicans have often been targeted by Democratic efforts to flip seats. He has argued that congressional resistance to executive overreach is crucial, and has positioned himself as a champion of protecting rights and ensuring the government serves everyone, not just wealthy individuals.
DeCillis has highlighted his diverse background in public service and deep ties to the community in New York. He is a fourth-generation Staten Islander and a third-generation union member, with experience working as a paramedic, police officer, and special education teacher. In a campaign video, he emphasized his experience as a 9/11 first responder and his commitment to public service.
This is DeCillis' third challenge for the seat, having run previously in 2018 and 2022. On both occasions, he dropped out before the general election. This time, he is painting Malliotakis as a MAGA-aligned Republican out of touch with the state's split voter demographic, calling her a "MAGA loyalist."
Malliotakis won reelection in 2024 with a significant margin, securing 63.8% of the vote to her Democratic challenger's 35.8%. DeCillis will face off against her in the general election on November 3. He has been critical of Malliotakis and Republicans, accusing them of destroying democracy at home and undermining diplomacy and security abroad.
