Williams, a former Navy officer who volunteered to serve as an officer aboard a nuclear submarine in the first Gulf War, campaigned on being a"patriot," not a politician. Williams said he was a"Ronald Reagan Republican" and centered his campaign on reducing crime in the state, energy independence, and immigration.
Williams's victory, projected by multiple news outlets on Monday, means the district will continue to be represented by a Republican after Rep. John Katko announced his retirement earlier this year. The district spans all of Onondaga, Madison, and Oneida counties, as well as the southeastern tip of Oswego County.
Although the race was close, demographics in the newly drawn district favored Conole, as 36% of residents are registered Democrats, compared to 31% registered as Republicans. The Cook Political Report nonetheless rated the race as a Republican toss-up heading into Election Day. The contest ultimately came down to voter turnout. Neither candidate was particularly well known, but Conole had previously run for the Democratic nomination in the 24th District.The men were vying to fill the seat of Katko, a Republican who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump. He announced his retirement after serving in the House for eight years.