Liz Cheney endorses pair of Democrats in key House races

Former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney endorsed a pair of Democrats in races that could determine who wins the House majority in November. 

Ms. Cheney, who served as the third-highest ranking Republican during her tenure in Congress, endorsed Rep. Susan Wild, Pennsylvania Democrat, and John Avlon, a former CNN commentator running in New York’s 1st Congressional District. 

Since losing by a landslide to Harriet Hageman in 2022 after having a key role on the House Jan. 6 committee, Ms. Cheney continues to slam former President Donald Trump and other Republicans. Her latest endorsements mark the first House races she has engaged in during this election cycle and come on the heels of her backing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Ms. Wild is running for a fourth term in the Keystone State’s 7th Congressional District, which includes Allentown. She’s facing state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, who was endorsed by Mr. Trump, in a race that has seen House Speaker Mike Johnson, Louisiana Republican, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, New York Democrat, get involved.

“Susan and I served together in the House, and while we may not agree on everything, I know that she holds a deep respect for the integrity of our democracy,” Ms. Cheney said in a statement.

“This election we must look beyond partisanship to ensure we defeat election deniers and support people like Susan, who are serious leaders and will do what’s right for their district and our nation,” she continued.

Ms. Wild leads Mr. Mackenzie by 6 points, according to a poll released by Muhlenberg College this month. Still, the Cook Political Report rates the race a toss-up.

In New York, Mr. Avlon is trying to unseat first-term Republican Rep. Nick LaLota. While Mr. LaLota’s seat isn’t nearly as endangered as that of other New York Republicans, who flipped a handful of Democratic seats in 2022 and face tighter races, his bid for reelection isn’t guaranteed.

Mr. LaLota leads Mr. Avlon by 8 points, according to a recent poll by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates, and the Cook Political Report rates the contest as likely Republican. Still, Democrats have their sights set on the Long Island seat. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Mr. Avlon to its “Red to Blue” campaign, which gives Democrats in competitive races more access to the organization’s money.

“John Avlon is a patriot who believes in defending the Constitution and putting country over party,” Ms. Cheney said in a statement. “We need smart and serious elected officials, like John, in Congress who will protect our freedom and Democracy.”