In the midst of his 2016 campaign for state Senate, Republican Chris Jacobs appeared on Capital Tonight to discuss the race.
Before ending the interview, host Liz Benjamin slipped in one more question.
“We have talked about the Donald Trump factor in this race. Are you supportive of his candidacy?” she asked.
Jacobs quickly deflected, offering a similar answer as he had to other reporters who pushed the same issue.
“I am 100 percent focused on my campaign. I’m running for state office and that’s what all my efforts are going on right now and I just finished the primary and, as you said, this is going to be a steep hill to run this year and that’s all I’m focused on,” he replied.
The Republican’s stance throughout that campaign was his preference for president shouldn’t factor in to a state race. However, his reluctance to answer the question could be coming back to haunt him as he sets his sight on New York’s 27th Congressional District.
Since Jacobs announced his campaign for what’s widely considered the state’s reddest seat, the playbook of his potential rivals has been clear. They’ve called him a moderate and a “Never Trumper” and have already referenced that September 2016 interview with Benjamin several times.
The latest was a fundraising email from incumbent Rep. Chris Collins, R, who has not yet decided whether he’ll seek re-election but does not support Jacobs.
“With the radical Left laser-focused on resistance and obstruction, President Trump needs allies in Congress now more than ever,” Collins wrote. “Chris Jacobs may act like he’s that type of ally – but in reality, he’s a Never-Trumper who will say and do anything to get elected to his next office. We may not know who Jacobs voted for in 2016, but we do know he refused to support President Trump in 2016 when he was running for office in a Democrat district.”
On Tuesday, Jacobs was far more forthcoming about 2016 than he has in the past, perhaps trying to nip the criticism in the bud early.
“I voted for the president, I support his agenda and I’m running for Congress because the president needs somebody in the 27th congressional district who can win this seat in 2020 and help move his agenda in Congress,” he said.
He argued it is Collins, in fact, who is unable to support the Trump agenda because he is facing federal charges and his scope in office has been limited as a result.