SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The race for New York’s 22nd Congressional District is one of the closest in the country. The battle between incumbent Republican Rep. Brandon Williams and Democratic state Sen. John Mannion could have major implications in the House of Representatives.
John Mannion, a lifelong central New Yorker, and former public school science teacher and labor leader. Mannion is currently a New York State Senator representing the 50th District and is attempting to flip New York’s 22nd Congressional District blue. Mannion aims to be just the third Democrat elected for District 22 since 1983.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Mannion Election Ads
VIC MASLIA: Central New York citizens are no stranger to the political ads from state Senator John Mannion’s campaign. Senator Mannion and his opponent Brandon Williams mostly use political ads to tear each other down rather than to build their personal image up. Quinn Etoll works on behalf of the NY state democratic committee who highlights why these types of ads are shown.
QUINN ETOLL: We live in a world where the news cycle is 24 hours, its deafening, it’s confusing, and i think ads are important only because the opponents are doing ads too.
MASLIA: Mannion’s ads showcase his support for the working class, education system, and the police along with other groups. In response to claims like these regarding his abusive workplace, Mannion has since refuted them and has spun the same narrative on Williams. For local resident and voter, Ed Griffin-Nolan, he says that it’s the public’s job not to read too far into these divisive ads.
ED GRIFFIN-NOLAN: Its stupid to listen to ads because it doesn’t tell you anything about what they’re gonna do, obviously they work because i think they’re spending, 100 of million dollars each, but I don’t buy anything based on an add.
MASLIA: For any politician running for any type of electoral race the best way to get their name out is through political ads but nowadays these ads are targeting their opponents more than their representing their own candidates, quinn talks about how important that boots on the ground method is in terms of swaying voters.
ETOLL: “I think that that’s the way you lose election, is by losing sight of talking to individuals over outspending your opponent”
MASLIA: Vic Maslia, NCC News
One issue that local voters will be very familiar with is the campaign ads from both candidates. Mannion and Williams have both gone on the attack with local TV ads rather than focusing on promoting themselves.
Quinn Etoll, a worker for the New York State Democratic Committee, explains why campaign ads are so important throughout a race like this.
“Because people see the ads and it’s so overwhelming, and we live in a world where the news cycle is 24 hours, it’s deafening, it’s confusing, and I think ads are important only because the opponents are doing ads too,” Etoll said.
Mannion has released some self-promotion ads, showing his support for the working class, the education system, and the police. While Williams attacked him on claims of an abusive workplace. Since the ad began airing, Mannion has refuted the claims and gone on the attack himself, claiming that it’s Williams with the abusive workplace and citing a video of him yelling at a reporter.
Local resident and voter Ed Griffin-Nolan doesn’t believe that people should read into divisive ads from the candidates.
“It’s stupid to listen to ads because it doesn’t tell you anything about what they’re gonna do. Obviously, they work because I think they’re spending $100 million each, but I don’t buy anything based on an ad,” said Griffin-Nolan.
Running ads is the best way to get your name out there as a politician in today’s climate, and attack ads are becoming more popular in all elections. One of the local issues at the forefront of this election is gun control. Unsurprisingly, the candidates have vastly different views.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Mannion Gun Control
PETER LOTTO: I’m troubled by the fact that he starts all of his comments on guns with “I’m a supporter of the 2nd amendment,” well I’m not.
PHOEBE GULSEN: On the ballot this upcoming election…polarizing issues like gun control divide candidates and voters… For New York’s 22nd congressional district, republican brandon williams and democrat john mannion fight for the seat… voters share what issues they want addressed.
LOTTO: I think we have to have candidates taking a stand on weapons of war in the streets, the easy access to guns, mass shootings, especially school shootings.
GULSEN: New York is the only state where gun owners must register all firearms. Every other state only requires registration of handguns. While some voters believe this election is crucial for reducing gun violence, others feel worried about their right.
MIKE MISERCOLA: At some point I believe the government will try to confiscate guns…and they will know exactly what guns you own…which I don’t think is correct
GULSEN: Mannion’s policy on guns align with the majority of his party, and he says more control is needed.
JOHN MANNION: My legislation now allows for hunting in onondaga county. I do support an assault weapons ban. I support universal background checks.
GULSEN: Williams says guns are not the issue, but the people behind them.
BRANDON WILLIAMS: New York state still has the most restrictive gun laws in the country. It is criminals who are committing these crimes.
GULSEN: For many, gun ownership is a hobby. Mannion says he supports the right to bear arms in the 2nd amendment, some say it’s time for change.
LOTTO: I think it’s obsolete. I think it needs to be repealed and maybe replaced, but maybe not. I’m kinda hoping that one of these days I actually hear a politician who will say that.
MISERCOLA: I think some people think that just because you are a gun owner you have the ability to shoot people or do harm. I think 99.9 percent of gun owners just want to target practice or hunt.
GULSEN: Phoebe Gulsen, NCC News
Gun control is an issue that is very relevant here in New York, a state with some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country. This polarizing issue is dividing candidates and voters alike.
Both candidates have been outspoken on the issue, discussing it in both debates. Williams blames the gun user, while Mannion pushes for more control.
“New York state still has the most restrictive gun laws in the country. It is criminals who are committing these crimes,” Williams said.
“My legislation now allows for hunting in Onondaga County. I do support an assault weapons ban. I support universal background checks,” Mannion said.
This controversial issue has elicited a strong divide among voters. Mannion’s supporters have taken staunch stands against the use of guns, and local voter Peter Lotto shares his thoughts.
“I think we have to have candidates taking a stand on weapons of war in the streets, the easy access to guns, mass shootings, especially school shootings,” Lotto said.
But not all voters share this opinion. While all other states only require registration for handguns, New York is the only state where all firearms need to be registered. Local gun owner Mike Misercola believes that there are already too many restrictions.
“I think some people think that just because you are a gun owner you have the ability to shoot people or do harm. I think 99.9 percent of gun owners just want to target practice or hunt,” Misercola said.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Mannion Abortion Issue
GABE HOWE Proposition One gives New Yorkers an opportunity to cast their vote on abortion rights. If passed, the proposal would protect against unfair treatment based on several factors including ethnicity, national origin, and gender identity. Voters from all walks of life gathered at the Beecham Branch Library today for an opportunity to vote early and make their voices heard. Some pro-choice advocates like 83-year-old Cynthia Cramsey and state senator John Mannion have been fighting for this for decades. For others like Sequan Armstrong, this is a more recent development. But their mantra remains the same; protect a woman’s right to choose.
SEQUAN ARMSTRONG: For the females, I feel like they should have a choice on that, it’s their life. I don’t necessarily agree with punishing someone for making a choice on whether to keep a baby or not.
HOWE: While Cramsey certainly is no stranger to voting early, having voted since the Kennedy administration, it was the first time for 24-year-old Ahmed Ahmed. While their generational gap was brought together by early voting, they still have very different opinions on the direction this country needs to go, specifically with Proposition 1.
AHMED AHMED: I’m against abortion honestly, I think life, you should let it live because we’re all here and everyone deserves a chance honestly.
HOWE: The early voting period officially closes on Sunday, November 3rd. Proposition 1 will still be on the back of your New York State ballot regardless of if you cast it early or on election day. For NCC News I’m Gabe Howe.
The debate on reproductive rights is also one of the most contentious in the nation, and of course, a big conversation here in Syracuse. In the 22nd District, it can be found on the ballot under Proposition 1, or the “Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment.” Although this wouldn’t guarantee the right to an abortion, it would make discrimination on the basis of getting an abortion a violation of the Constitution. Mannion voters showed support for Prop 1 at the polls.
“For the females, I feel like they should have a choice on that; it’s their life. I don’t necessarily agree with punishing someone for making a choice on whether to keep a baby or not,” said Onondaga County voter Sequan Armstrong.
But not all voters share this opinion. Williams voters, who are often pro-life, do not believe that Proposition 1 would be beneficial.
“I’m against abortion, honestly. I think life, you should let it live because we’re all here, and everyone deserves a chance, honestly,” Ahmed commented.
Although the proposition does not specifically use the word “abortion,” it would be beneficial for reproductive health care and autonomy after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Making sure healthcare is accessible for all, specifically when the topic of reproductive rights is on the ticket, is an important topic for Syracuse citizens.
Residents also want to make sure that they’re living in a city that cares about their health and well-being.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Mannion Clean Water
LEAH COHN: A study by the National Resource Defence Council, a climate advocacy group, found that Syracuse drinking water has one of the highest levels of lead in the country. Darlene Medley founded Families for Lead Freedom Now in 2020 following her twin babies’ lead poisoning.
DARLENE MEDLEY: When you go through the process of feeling like a failure, because your main job is to protect your kids, and so to learn that your child was poisoned, especially in your home, it kind of really plays trick on you.
COHN: Darlene lives in Southside Syracuse and last week, residents of her neighborhood received postcards from the city directing them to the City of Syracuse Service Pipeline Map. Here, Darlene saw her address was connected to lead pipes.
MEDLEY: That was a huge slap in the face. That was. Especially looking at my own address and to see, oh look, there’s a little blue dot. What does the blue dot indicate? I have a lead service pipeline.
COHN: Darlene’s activism has gotten her the chance to speak to local officials about her community.
MEDLEY: So by me going back and forth to Albany a lot I have met a lot of the elected officials. John Mannion is one of my favorites, not gonna lie. Mr. Mannion is one of the only ones who has had representatives even come and knock on my door. As far as Mr. Williams goes, I remember meeting him a while ago before he got into office and he seemed like he was a great guy and then it seems like he got into office and forgot where he came from.
COHN: We spoke to another Syracuse resident and he told us, although he voted for John Mannion, he feels that both candidates have not done enough to address this issue.
LINUS BROOKS: I feel like I’m someone who’s aware of issues and I like paying attention so if it took me so long to find out I think a lot of people aren’t hearing about it and it isn’t being talked about enough. And so, I think for John Mannion or Brandon Williams it really needs to be a center part of their issues.
COHN: Members of the National Resource Defense Council are calling out Brandon Williams for voting against the Infrastructure Bill that was meant to help replace lead pipes in Syracuse. With Mannion sitting on the Environmental Committee in Congress, many voters are hoping he will make the change. For N-C-C News, I’m Leah Cohn.
According to a study by the National Resource Defense Council, Syracuse’s drinking water has one of the highest levels of lead in the country. Southside resident Darlene Medley took action after her twin babies were poisoned by lead, starting the Families for Lead Freedom Now in 2020.
“When you go through the process of feeling like a failure, because your main job is to protect your kids, and to learn that your child was poisoned, especially in your home, it kind of really plays tricks on you,” Medley said.
Many Northside residents received a postcard showing the City of Syracuse Service Pipeline Map, which informed Medley that her house was connected to lead pipes. Her time as an activist has allowed her to engage with local candidates.
“John Mannion is one of my favorites, not gonna lie. Mr. Mannion is one of the only ones who has had representatives even come and knock on my door. As far as Mr. Williams goes, I remember meeting him a while ago before he got into office, and he seemed like a great guy. Then it seems like he got into office and forgot where he came from,” Medley shared.
Members of the National Resource Defense Council are calling out Brandon Williams for voting against an infrastructure bill that would help replace lead pipes. While Mannion has shown a commitment to the environment and providing clean water, some of his constituents feel he isn’t doing enough.
“I feel like I’m someone who’s aware of issues, and I like paying attention, so if it took me so long to find out, I think a lot of people aren’t hearing about it and it isn’t being talked about enough. So, I think for John Mannion or Brandon Williams, it really needs to be a center part of their issues,” said resident Linus Brooks.
Mannion sits on the Environmental Committee in Congress, and voters hope he is in a position to enact meaningful change.