Former CNN Anchor John Avlon Launches Bid For New York Congressional Seat

John Avlon, who recently departed CNN, has officially launched his bid for a New York congressional seat.

He is running in the first congressional district, which covers Suffolk County and is currently held by Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY), who has endorsed Donald Trump in the presidential race. Avlon faces a crowded field in the June 25 Democratic primary.

“I believe the United States is the greatest democracy the world has ever known, but right now, our democracy is in danger,” he said in an announcement video posted today.

“We need to build the broadest possible coalition to defeat Donald Trump, defend our democracy, and win back the House from his MAGA minions who don’t even seem interested in solving problems anymore.”

Avlon was previously the editor in chief of The Daily Beast and, before that, chief speechwriter for then-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He departed CNN earlier this month, after serving as senior political analyst and anchor since 2018. He is married to Margaret Hoover, the host of PBS’s Firing Line.