New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is launching the first ad of her reelection bid.

In the 30-second spot, reviewed by Spectrum News ahead of its release, Gillibrand casts herself as someone who is willing to “work with both parties.” In it, she touts her work on anti-gun trafficking legislation and her support earlier this year of the bipartisan Senate-crafted border security bill, which ultimately failed to become law.

The ad is set to run on New York City broadcast and cable channels plus digital platforms, costing seven-figures. 

What You Need To Know

  • In the 30-second spot, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand casts herself as someone who is willing to “work with both parties" in pursuit of public safety, touting her work on anti-gun trafficking legislation, which was included in the 2022 gun reform law

  • Gillibrand is fending off a challenge from Republican Mike Sapraicone, a retired NYPD detective, who recently accused her of “completely” supporting “illegal immigrants coming into this country”

Back in 2022, Gillibrand successfully lobbied for the inclusion of anti-gun trafficking language in a gun reform package signed by President Joe Biden. Her office says since it was enacted, it has paved the way for more than 3,000 illegal guns to be taken off the street. 

Gillibrand, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 2009, is fending off a challenge from Republican Mike Sapraicone, a retired NYPD detective.

In an interview Monday with Spectrum’s Capital Tonight program, Sapraicone accused Gillibrand of “completely” supporting “illegal immigrants coming into this country.” He visited the southern border in Arizona last week.

He also said it was “very strong” for former President Donald Trump to rally on Long Island last Wednesday. “I think Trump’s message is sincere.”

In a Siena College poll conducted between Sept. 11-16, Gillibrand held a comfortable lead over Sapraicone among likely voters, besting him 54% to 31%. The poll had a margin of error of +/- 4.3%.