New York’s John Mannion flips U.S. House seat Democratic

First-term GOP Rep. Brandon Williams lost his seat to two-term Democratic state Senator John Mannion late on Tuesday, according to preliminary estimates by the Associated Press. Mannion thanked the voters for giving him the chance to serve them in a social media post. The loss could prove key in the battle for the U.S. House of Representatives. In the current Congress, Republicans cling to a thin majority. The 22nd Congressional District represents central New York state including the cities of Syracuse and Utica.

Who is state Sen. Mannion? He served as a public school teacher for three decades in central New York state—where he’s spent his entire life, according to his state senate profile. In addition to parenting three children with his wife, Jennifer, he has coached and refereed soccer, basketball, and baseball. He was endorsed by Planned Parenthood in the election. He’s promised to work to increase public safety, create new jobs in New York, and help improve the state’s education system, according to his campaign website.

Who is Rep. Williams? The veteran-turned-software entrepreneur grew up in Texas, served during the first Gulf War and elsewhere as an officer in the U.S. Navy, and eventually landed in central New York state in 2010. He and his wife have been married for thirty years and have raised two children to adulthood, according to his Congressional website. He promised to support the military, build energy independence, and protect law-abiding citizens’ rights to own and carry firearms, according to his campaign website.

Dig deeper: Visit WORLD’s 2024 Election Center for updates on election results across the country.