In a bold TV ad urging voters in the Syracuse area, John Walsh, creator of America’s Most Wanted, is calling on voters to re-elect Republican Rep. Brandon Williams.
In the 30-second spot, Walsh takes aim at Democrats Kathy Hochul and John Mannion for their support of policies like cashless bail and defunding the police.
[1]“Dangerous criminals are back on our streets, thanks to Democrats Kathy Hochul and John Mannion, ” Walsh declares. “Brandon Williams will make sure America’s most wanted criminals stay behind bars.”
Walsh’s advocacy stems from a personal tragedy—the abduction and murder of his 6-year-old son, Adam, in 1981. Since then, Walsh has become a leading voice for crime victims, co-founding the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and hosting the long-running America’s Most Wanted show, now co-hosted with his son, Callahan.
Walsh, who grew up in upstate New York and still owns a farm there, has strong words for the current state of crime in New York.
“The cities in upstate New York are riddled with crime.” He stated.
“New York State has this no bail bull***t,” Walsh also expressed outrage over recent incidents in Times Square where migrants assaulted police officers but avoided serious consequences.
“No one should get out of jail for beating up a cop,” he said.
Walsh’s endorsement could give Williams, a first-term Republican and former Navy nuclear submarine officer, a critical boost in one of the nation’s most contested congressional races.
The 57-year-old businessman, who previously ran a software company and now owns a truffle farm in the Finger Lakes with his wife, faces a tough race against Democrat John Mannion, a state senator with heavy union backing, including from teachers and the New York State Troopers PBA.
Walsh, who describes Williams as a “law and order guy” and a fellow farmer, said, “We need 50 more Brandons in Congress.” He believes Williams is the kind of leader the country needs to maintain its safety and security.
As reported by The New York Post, [3] Walsh’s political involvement doesn’t stop with Williams. He’s also backing two other Republican candidates in upstate New York: former police chief Jim VanBrederode, running for state Senate in the Rochester area, and retired Army colonel John Lemondes, seeking re-election in the 126th Assembly District near Syracuse.
With the balance of power in Congress at stake, the Williams-Mannion race is drawing national attention. While Democrats hope to flip the seat, Republicans are fighting hard to keep it red, making Walsh’s endorsement a pivotal moment in the campaign.