Democrats Hope to Try New Tactic in N.Y. Race

QUEENSBURY, N.Y.-A special election in a congressional district along the Canadian border looms as an early test of Democrats' plans for escaping the political wilderness.

- JIMMY VIELKIND

Democratic leaders want to recruit state Assembly member and former corrections officer D. Billy Jones. They hope his working-class background will resonate in the mostly rural district. Some unsuccessful past candidates for the seat had looser local ties and wealthier backgrounds.

"Somebody indigenous to the area actually has an advantage because they would understand the challenges because they've lived it-as opposed to someone who parachutes in," said Lynne Boecher, a Democratic leader from Warren County.

GOP's advantage

The special election would fill the seat of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R., N.Y.), Presidentelect Donald Trump's nominee to serve as ambassador to the United Nations. New York's governor must set an election date within roughly 90 days of a vacancy. Florida officials have scheduled special elections for April 1 to replace Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, who resigned to pursue nominations for Trump's administration. Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration in November. The House Ethics Committee in December released a report detailing sexual-misconduct and other allegations against him. Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing.

"This race [for Stefanik's seat] will be a referendum on President Trump's first 100 days. Everybody in the country is going to be watching." said Vince Casale, a Republican consultant based in upstate New York.