DEBATE RECAP: Nick LaLota Caught Flat Footed on His Dangerous Record to Restrict Abortion Rights

During Newsday's debate in New York's First Congressional District, Nick LaLota - who recently admitted he can't vote for himself because he doesn't actually live in New York's First Congressional District - tried and failed to walk back his anti-choice agenda.

Despite his best efforts, LaLota can't hide from his long-standing record of restricting Suffolk County women's rights:

• Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, LaLota doubled down on wanting to take away women's freedom to decide how and when they start a family by applauding the disastrous Supreme Court decision as a "step in the right direction."

• LaLota was caught scrubbing the praise from his campaign website after he tried to soften his anti-choice extremism for political expediency.

• As one of his first votes in Congress, LaLota voted for a bill to establish new criminal penalties for doctors - even going as far as to include jail time.

• LaLota then voted twice for an extreme amendment to the defense bill that would restrict reproductive health care nationally for service members and their families.

LaLota's blatant allegiance to anti-choice extremism falls in line with his devout loyalty to Donald Trump - who openly brags about being responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade. It's also extremely out of touch with the majority of New York voters who support upholding abortion rights.

Meanwhile, NY-01 Democratic nominee John Avlon has championed efforts to protect a woman's right to choose amid continued GOP attacks on reproductive freedom - and has pledged to continue to do so in Congress on behalf of New York's First Congressional District.

DCCC Spokesperson Ellie Dougherty:
"Nick LaLota has repeatedly failed Suffolk County women and restricted their freedoms, which is exactly why voters will hold LaLota accountable for his extremism at the ballot box in November."