Former Democratic congressman Mondaire Jones has announced his bid to reclaim his seat in New York’s Hudson Valley. This move comes as Democrats view the upcoming primary in the 17th Congressional District as one of their best opportunities to regain control of the House from Republicans.
Jones previously won the 17th District in 2020 but chose to run in a different district last year due to redistricting. This decision allowed then-Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney to run in the 17th District, but he ultimately suffered a surprising defeat in the general election to Rep. Michael Lawler.
In his announcement video, Jones emphasized his roots in the 17th District and his working-class background. He expressed his desire to get Washington back on the side of working people, stating, “Most people in Washington didn’t grow up like me. They have no idea what it’s like to struggle. We’ve got to get Washington back on the side of working people. I know we can do better. For me, this is personal.”
The video also highlighted Jones’ accomplishments during his single term in Congress, including securing funding for law enforcement and infrastructure in the district. Jones, who is 36 years old and currently works as a lawyer and CNN commentator, will face competition in the Democratic primary.
Liz Whitmer Gereghty, a small-business founder and the sister of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, announced her bid in May. Last month, MaryAnn Carr, a former Bedford council member, also entered the race. Maloney, who lost to Lawler by a narrow margin, has not ruled out seeking a rematch.
The significance of the 17th District to Democrats was underscored by President Biden, who held a campaign-style event just outside Lawler’s district in May. Biden won Lawler’s district by a significant margin in the 2020 presidential election.
In his announcement video, Jones highlighted key issues such as abortion, gun violence, and standing up for democracy. He also pledged to fight corruption in Washington.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) responded to Jones’ announcement by predicting a bruising and costly primary in the 17th District. NRCC spokeswoman Savannah Viar also attempted to portray Jones as too liberal for the Hudson Valley and accused him of leaving residents “in a lurch” after running in a different district last year.
The primary race in New York’s 17th Congressional District is expected to be highly competitive, with Democrats eager to regain control of the House from Republicans. Jones’ bid to reclaim his seat will face challenges from other Democratic candidates, but his emphasis on his working-class background and commitment to fighting for working people may resonate with voters in the district.
What are some of the specific challenges that working-class families in the 17th District are currently facing?
Struggle to make ends meet or to face the challenges that working-class families in the 17th District are currently facing.”
Jones also highlighted his progressive policy priorities, including healthcare for all, combating climate change, and criminal justice reform. He claimed that his experience and values make him the best candidate to fight for these issues in Congress.
The race for the 17th District is expected to be highly competitive, as both parties see it as a crucial seat in their efforts to gain control of the House. Democrats are eager to reclaim the district after losing it to Republican Lawler in the recent election.
Jones’ decision to run in the 17th District again signals Democrats’ confidence in his appeal and ability to win back support. His previous victory in the district shows that he has strong support from voters, and his focus on working-class issues may resonate with constituents who feel unheard by their representatives.
If successful, Jones would join a growing group of progressive Democrats in Congress who are pushing for bold policy changes. His bid to reclaim his seat in the 17th District could play a significant role in shaping the future of the Democratic Party and its agenda.
I’m excited to see Mondaire Jones stepping up to reclaim the seat in New York’s 17th Congressional District. His passion and dedication to representing the interests of the community will surely make a positive impact. Good luck, Mondaire!
I admire Mondaire Jones’ determination to reclaim the seat in New York’s 17th Congressional District. With his experience and passion, I believe he has a strong chance of making a positive impact in the district’s competitive political landscape. Good luck to him!