Vulnerable New York Democrat says Biden drop-out boosted his chances: ‘Putting rocket fuel in a jet engine’

New York Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan said he feels much stronger about his own race since Vice President Kamala Harris took over the helm of the Democratic Party .

"Coming out of the DNC and for the last now month-plus, we have just seen such energy, such enthusiasm, such true joy and optimism at a time when, even this morning in your coverage, it's a challenging, dark, and divided time," Ryan said to journalist Margaret Brennan. "That's what people in my district are desperate for."

Ryan and his Republican challenger, Alison Esposito, are locked in a tight race. Former speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said she anticipates control of the lower chamber will come down to New York races, including Ryan's. On Sunday morning, he agreed and said the ascension of Harris to the top of the ticket helps get them over the finish line.

"It's just been a sea change. I mean, I won my last race by 1.3% — very attuned to what's happening in my district. I'm talking to folks all day, every day. It has been just kind of putting rocket fuel into a jet engine and seeing 'blast-off.'" Ryan said on CBS's Face the Nation.

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"It's one thing to be against a set of things, but to be for a set of things — and for core freedoms — that's rallying people."

Republicans currently control the House 220-212 seats. Since President Joe Biden announced he would drop out of the race, Democratic fundraising arms have committed to investing not only in seats they hope to defend, but also in seats they would need to flip — another sign that the top-ticket change has trickled down encouraging odds.