ALBANY, New York — In an effort to redefine patriotism in American politics, Democratic Representative Pat Ryan is launching the Patriot PAC, aimed at supporting candidates with robust backgrounds in public service. This new initiative seeks to inject over $2 million into the election campaigns of individuals who have served in the military, education, or as first responders.

Ryan's vision for the PAC is a direct response to the recent challenges faced by the Democratic Party, especially following a strenuous 2024 election cycle. By promoting candidates who embody service and sacrifice, Ryan aims to position the Democrats as the quintessential "party of patriotism," challenging the Republican stronghold on these values.

"The Republican Party cannot make a claim on it anymore," Ryan stated, emphasizing the need for Democrats to reclaim the narrative of selflessness and the common good.

The launch of Patriot PAC is already stirring speculation about Ryan’s future ambitions, with hints at potential statewide or federal pursuits. His military background as a West Point graduate and Army veteran, alongside his tenure in New York’s politically mixed Hudson Valley, fuels such conjecture.

Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, also a retired Army officer and a noted figure in Democratic circles, praised the initiative. "Our country needs more patriots in elected office, at every level," Moore asserted, underlining the importance of service-based experience in governance.

The move comes at a critical juncture for New York Democrats, who are currently navigating internal divisions following Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected primary win. Ryan’s strategy, however, seeks to transcend ideological battles, focusing instead on a unifying theme of public service.

Moreover, Ryan’s PAC plans to endorse a diverse array of candidates across New York and later, across the nation, totaling 250 endorsements planned for the upcoming midterms. Noteworthy among these are Hempstead Supervisor candidate Joe Scianablo, a Marine veteran and retired NYPD officer, and Jackie Salvatore, who is campaigning to become the first woman of color elected as sheriff in Columbia County.

Ryan's efforts are not without criticism. GOP spokesperson David Laska warned that Democrats receiving support from Ryan’s PAC might face electoral backlash due to their association with his policies.

Despite potential political risks, key figures like John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union International, see Ryan as a revitalizing force for the Democratic Party. "He’s an American patriot, he’s an economic populist, he’s 100 percent pro-trade union. That’s the secret sauce," Samuelsen remarked.

As Ryan prepares for a statewide tour of New York to boost his PAC's visibility, his approach could redefine political engagement in the Empire State and beyond, emphasizing a commitment to service as the cornerstone of patriotic duty.