The progressive group MoveOn is formally backing Democrats in three competitive congressional elections across New York, Spectrum News NY1 has learned. 

Members of the organization have opted to endorse Laura Gillen in her bid to unseat Rep. Anthony D’Espostio in Nassau County, Josh Riley as he challenges Rep. Marc Molinaro, and John Mannion as he takes on Rep. Brandon Williams in the Syracuse region. 

All three are congressional districts Joe Biden carried in the 2020 presidential race. Democrats hope to flip them as part of their push to win back control of the U.S. House in November.

Candidates awarded the MoveOn endorsement can receive field, digital and fundraising help through the group’s independent expenditures.

In a statement, MoveOn Political Action spokesperson Britt Jacovich said, “Our members endorsed these candidates because they will prioritize a people-first agenda for New Yorkers that will empower our communities while ensuring our rights and freedoms do not collapse at the hands of the MAGA-run Republican Party.”

A spokesman for MoveOn said the races in New York’s competitive 1st and 17th congressional districts are also on the group’s radar.

As part of the 2024 election cycle, MoveOn has announced a $32 million nationwide election program, focused on electing a Democratic trifecta in Washington - defending the White House and Senate, while flipping the U.S. House. They are targeting more than 24 House seats.

In a memo released in January, the organization said their focus is on engaging with and turning out younger “surge voters,” which the group defines as those who became politically active after the 2016 election.