Candidate to Replace Rep. Elise Stefanik Talks about the Latest in this Race
On March 3, 2025, Rev. Jim Harden joined John Solomon on Just the News: No Noise for an in-depth discussion on two of the most pressing issues in his campaign for New York’s 21st Congressional District: abortion policy and the state of his House race. Harden, a staunch pro-life advocate and candidate for Congress, shared his views on the growing political and cultural divide over abortion while also laying out his vision for the future of NY-21.
The State of Abortion in America
Harden, who has long been at the forefront of the pro-life movement, began the conversation by addressing what he sees as the dire state of abortion policy in the United States. He noted that since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the fight over abortion has intensified, particularly in states like New York, which has some of the most permissive abortion laws in the country.
He criticized New York’s policies for allowing late-term abortions and described them as “radical, extreme, and out of touch with the values of most Americans.” Harden argued that the state’s leadership, including Governor Kathy Hochul, has doubled down on promoting abortion access while failing to provide adequate support for pregnant women and families. “Instead of pushing for more abortion, we should be making it easier for women to choose life,” he stated.
Harden also pointed to the growing attacks on crisis pregnancy centers, such as the one he ran in Buffalo, which was firebombed in 2022. He described these acts of violence as part of a larger effort to silence pro-life voices, a move that he says is both unconstitutional and dangerous. He called on law enforcement to take these attacks seriously and ensure that pregnancy centers receive the same protection as abortion clinics.
His Campaign for NY-21
Shifting the discussion to his House race, Harden explained why he decided to run for Congress in New York’s 21st District, an area that has been a Republican stronghold under Rep. Elise Stefanik. With Stefanik rumored to be on the shortlist for a vice-presidential spot should Donald Trump win the 2024 election, the district’s political future has become a major topic of discussion.
Harden positioned himself as the natural choice to carry the conservative torch in the district, highlighting his strong pro-life stance, his dedication to religious freedom, and his commitment to defending constitutional rights. “I’m not just running as a politician—I’m running as someone who has fought for our values in the real world,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of protecting free speech and religious liberty, both of which he believes are under attack by the progressive left. “We’ve seen the government weaponized against conservatives, whether it’s through the FBI targeting pro-lifers or the censorship of Christian voices online,” he warned. “This isn’t just about one issue; it’s about preserving the fundamental freedoms that define America.”
Key Issues in the Race
Harden and Solomon discussed some of the key issues that will define the NY-21 race, including:
- Abortion Policy: Harden pledged to fight for federal protections for the unborn and to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abortions.
- Parental Rights in Education: He criticized the increasing role of government in shaping children’s education and called for greater parental control over what is taught in schools.
- Border Security and Crime: Harden linked rising crime rates in New York to lax border policies, arguing that illegal immigration is fueling the fentanyl crisis and endangering communities.
- Economic Challenges: He highlighted the struggles of working-class families in upstate New York and criticized the Biden administration’s economic policies for worsening inflation and making it harder for small businesses to thrive.
A Call to Action
As the interview wrapped up, Harden made a direct appeal to voters in NY-21, urging them to support his campaign as a way to push back against what he called the “radical leftist agenda” in Washington. He promised to be a champion for life, liberty, and the values that he believes most New Yorkers hold dear.
Solomon closed the interview by acknowledging the intensity of the upcoming House race and noting that Harden’s campaign would be one to watch. With the 2024 election cycle already heating up, it remains to be seen how Harden’s pro-life message will resonate with voters in a district that has long been a conservative stronghold.
Rev. Jim Harden’s appearance on Just the News: No Noise reinforced his position as a bold and unwavering conservative voice in the race for NY-21, setting the stage for what is likely to be a highly competitive election.