It’s an all too familiar congressional competition.
Democrat Nate McMurray is again squaring off against Republican Chris Jacobs for New York’s 27 Congressional District.
“I’m a better candidate because I believe in the American dream. I lived it, and I’ll fight for it for the people of this region,” explained McMurray.
“I want people to be able to pursue their dreams here, I want young people to be able to come back here, not just because their family is here, but because there’s great opportunity here,” Jacobs explained.
We caught up with McMurray at the U.A.W. office in Lockport. McMurray has been endorsed by the U.A.W. and a handful of other unions.
“My number one thing is to help working people. That means protecting social security, but, also making sure every single American has access to healthcare,” McMurray told 7 Eyewitness News Reporter and Anchor Ali Touhey.
We visited Jacobs at his campaign headquarters in Lancaster. His priority in January would be to re-open western New York for business.
“Our economy prior to COVID was getting some real momentum. We were seeing job creation, low unemployment and I want to make sure we get that momentum back,” Jacobs said.
McMurray ran against Jacobs in the Special Election in June, and lost by five percentage points.
Jacobs still has the advantage this election cycle. After all, voter registration is entirely in his favor.
According to the New York State Board of Elections, most recent data shows there are roughly 40 thousand more registered Republicans than Democrats in the district.
McMurray doesn’t live in New York 27, and it’s something he’s been attacked for by his critics.
Ali: How about the folks who are critical because you don’t actually live in the district?
McMurray: Unfortunately I can’t buy a million dollar home and move when I feel like it. But, my whole family lives in the district. I know this place. I grew up here in Niagara County.
Jacobs has been in office for three months. He voted against the Heroes Act which was supposed to serve as a second stimulus bill.
“It mentioned marijuana more than jobs, and the most recent one defunded the police. It cut out $600 billion for the men and women in blue.”
We also asked about how he mistakenly voted against the Delivering for America Act — a bill that passed and included billions in additional emergency funding for the U.S. Postal Service. He said he can’t explain the error. He said he must have been distracted, but said he has since corrected it in congressional records.
It’s up to the voters in New York 27 to decide by absentee, early voting, or on Election Day.
