Former CNN anchor John Avlon announced his candidacy to flip the seat representing New York’s first congressional district.
Avlon announced his departure from CNN in early February after working 14 years as an anchor and senior political analyst. He announced early Wednesday that he is running in New York’s swing district to “defeat Donald Trump” and save democracy.
“There’s just too much at stake for the country and the community that I love,” Avlon said in a filmed announcement. “We need to build the broadest possible coalition to defeat Donald Trump and defend out democracy and win back the House from his MAGA minions who don’t even seem interested in solving problems anymore.”
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 30: Co-Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Beast John Avlon and Chief Marketing Officer of The Honest Company Chris Thorne speak onstage at the Bloomberg is Disruption panel presented by Bloomberg Media during Advertising Week 2015 AWXII at Nasdaq MarketSite on September 30, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for AWXII)
“Together, we can flip this seat. Together, we can rebuild the middle class, invest in infrastructure, protect women’s reproductive freedoms and combat climate change. Democrats can’t afford to lose this fight,” he continued.
It’s official: I’m running for Congress in #NY01 because there’s too much at stake for the country & community I love. Long Island families deserve someone who fights for their values, not Trump’s. It’s time for us all to get off the sidelines. Join Me. https://t.co/fMu8RdLyBL pic.twitter.com/RHWAam8yif
— John Avlon (@JohnAvlon) February 21, 2024
Avlon is seeking to defeat Republican New York Rep. Nicholas LaLota in the upcoming election. LaLota won his congressional seat during the 2022 midterm elections after defeating Democratic candidate Bridget Fleming, according to Fox 5. He replaced former Republican New York Rep. Lee Zeldin after the politician stepped down to run for governor. (RELATED: ‘Hold On’: CNN Legal Analyst Spars With Pundit Who Claims Trump Can Be Knocked Off Ballot In Colorado)
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 14: Margaret Hoover (L) and John Avlon attend the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards hosted by Ketel One Vodka at the Waldorf-Astoria on May 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Ketel One)
CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 21: John Avlon, editor in chief of The Daily Beast, talks during an episode of Stand Up! with Pete Dominick on SiriusXM at Quicken Loans Arena on July 21, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
The former CNN anchor was reportedly advised by former Democratic Rep. Steve Israel for months, according to Politico Playbook. Newsday’s Scott Eidler will conduct Avlon’s first interview as a congressional candidate.
Before joining CNN, Avlon previously served as the editor-in-chief and managing director of The Daily Beast, according to his LinkedIn account.
Avlon recently expressed his support for removing former President Donald Trump from the state primary ballots in Colorado and Maine under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits anyone from serving public office if they engaged in insurrection.