Chamber Backs Lee in New York’s 26th

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today endorsed Republican Chris Lee for New York’s 26th district congressional seat, jumping into a race that was thrown into turmoil last week with an unexpected candidate emerging on the Democratic side.

Lee will face Democrat Alice Kryzan, who pulled off a major upset in the district’s Sept. 9 primary. Kryzan knocked off national Democratic Party-endorsed Jon Powers and self-funded candidate Jack Davis, surprising observers as she snuck by the two favorites. Lee and Kryzan will seek to replace retiring Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-N.Y.), who has endorsed Lee as his successor.

The Chamber says it has, as of yet, no plans to spend money on the 26th district race. Lee has nearly eight times Kryzan’s cash on hand, leading her $751,000 to $95,000 in that category.