SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Election week is here and New York’s 22nd Congressional District race could have big implications for the economic status of Central New York. The Biden administration passed the CHIPS and Science Act, which is directly correlated with Micron, the chipmaking company, choosing Central New York for its $100 billion investment and promise of thousands of local jobs.
On this year’s ballot for NY-22 is Brandon Williams and John Mannion. Williams, the Republican incumbent, was joined by House Speaker Mike Johnson prior to Election Day for campaigning in Syracuse.
A local reporter asked Johnson if the Republican party would work to repeal the CHIPS Act if Republicans win the House majority.
“I expect that we probably will,” said Johnson. “But we haven’t developed that part of the agenda yet, we have to get over the election first.”
When asked for his response after Johnson’s comments, Williams defended the act and its potential impact on the community he represents.
“Obviously the CHIPS Act is hugely impactful here,” said Williams. “My job is to keep lobbying on my side, that’s why I’ve crossed the aisle and supported many things against leadership. I will remind him night and day how important the chips act is and that we break ground on Micron.”
Williams released a statement following the press conference after the two politicians had opposing statements.
“I spoke privately with the speaker immediately after the event. He apologized profusely, saying he misheard the question,” said the Williams campaign.
New York State Sen. Mannion, the Democratic NY-22 nominee, is also an outspoken supporter of the CHIPS Act.
“Once again, voters in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley are seeing Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Brandon Williams for who they are – extremists who want to repeal the law that is bringing billions of dollars and tens of thousands of good paying jobs to Central New York and the Mohawk Valley,” said Mannion, in response to the press conference.