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House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Congressman Lee Zeldin, who was the GOP candidate for governor in 2022, headlined a rally for Williams, R-Sennett, at the Central New York Regional Market in Syracuse. 

Williams is locked in a tough reelection campaign against Democratic state Sen. John Mannion. Millions have been spent by the candidates and outside groups, with both parties viewing the 22nd district as an important contest in the race for control of the House. 

Johnson, who has visited central New York in February to campaign with Williams, reminded the crowd of more than 200 attendees that the seat is one of the Democrats' top targets. 

"What happens in NY-22 will truly, literally, decide the fate of the republic," he said. 

Before Johnson's post-rally comments about the CHIPS and Science Act made national headlines, he praised Williams as a "serious leader" and an "anti-politician" with a unique skill set. 

Zeldin, who has also joined Williams on the campaign trail, noted that the 22nd district — which includes Onondaga and Madison counties, plus parts of Cayuga, Cortland and Oneida counties — was one of the seats Republicans won in 2022 to capture the House majority. 

With Election Day approaching, Zeldin is hopeful that GOP voters and undecideds will support their ticket. 

"We believe in America," he said. "We believe in American voters." 

One of the biggest endorsements for Williams came from Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, a Republican who has played a leading role in bringing Micron to the region. McMahon has appeared in a TV ad for Williams and spoke at the rally Friday. 

McMahon admitted he didn't know Williams well when the first-term congressman ran in 2022. But Williams earned his endorsement through his work representing the district. 

That work included securing funding for infrastructure projects and local municipalities — the product of conversations between McMahon and Williams about what was needed in Onondaga County. Williams, McMahon said, delivered. 

Williams told the audience that he ran for Congress in 2022 because he was concerned about the future. The U.S. has more powerful enemies, he continued, and there are threats to the republic. 

"Americans should never feel powerless," Williams said. "I decided to stand up, stand my ground, push back on the far-left policies and the far-left bullies that are taking away our freedoms." 

During his remarks, Williams contrasted his record with Mannion's. Throughout the campaign, he has accused Mannion of embracing bail reform and other state-level criminal justice measures. He also believes Republicans have a better approach on border security and immigration. And unlike Mannion, he is a military veteran. 

"I think the choice is pretty clear," Williams said. 

Early voting concludes Sunday. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.