Former Democratic congressman Mondaire Jones has announced his bid to reclaim his seat in New York’s Hudson Valley. Jones, who won the 17th Congressional District in 2020, opted to run in a different district last year due to redistricting. However, he did not advance beyond the Democratic primary in that race. Now, Jones is emphasizing his roots in the 17th District and his working-class background in his campaign.
In an announcement video released on Wednesday, Jones highlighted his commitment to fighting corruption and standing up for working people. He also emphasized his efforts to secure funding for law enforcement and infrastructure during his single term in Congress. Jones, who is 36 years old and a lawyer, has served as a CNN commentator since leaving Congress.
Jones will face competition in the Democratic primary for the 17th District. Liz Whitmer Gereghty, a small-business founder and the sister of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, announced her bid in May. MaryAnn Carr, a former Bedford council member, also entered the race last month. Additionally, former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who lost to Rep. Michael Lawler in the general election, has not ruled out seeking a rematch.
The 17th District is seen as a key pickup opportunity for Democrats as they aim to regain control of the House from Republicans. President Biden recently held a campaign-style event in the region to highlight the fight with Republicans over the debt limit. Biden carried Lawler’s district by about 10 percentage points in the 2020 election.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has predicted a bruising and costly primary for the eventual Democratic nominee in the 17th District. NRCC spokeswoman Savannah Viar also criticized Jones, claiming he is too liberal for the Hudson Valley and left residents “in a lurch” after running in a different district last year.
The primary for the 17th District is expected to be highly competitive, with Democrats vying for the opportunity to challenge Republican incumbent Michael Lawler in the general election.
What are some of the key issues that Mondaire Jones is focusing on in his campaign for the 17th District?
Former Democratic congressman Mondaire Jones has announced his intention to reclaim his seat in New York’s Hudson Valley. After winning the 17th Congressional District in 2020, Jones ran in a different district due to redistricting but did not make it past the Democratic primary in that race. Now, Jones is refocusing on his roots in the 17th District and highlighting his working-class background in his campaign.
In a video released on Wednesday, Jones emphasized his commitment to fighting corruption and advocating for working people. He also highlighted his accomplishments in securing funding for law enforcement and infrastructure during his previous term in Congress. At 36 years old, Jones is a lawyer and has been serving as a CNN commentator since leaving Congress.
Jones will face competition in the Democratic primary for the 17th District. Liz Whitmer Gereghty, a small-business founder and Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s sister, announced her candidacy in May. MaryAnn Carr, a former council member, also entered the race last month. Additionally, former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who lost to Rep. Michael Lawler in the general election, has not ruled out seeking a rematch.
The 17th District is considered a crucial opportunity for Democrats as they aim to regain control of the House. President Biden recently held an event in the region to highlight the battle with Republicans over the debt limit. In the 2020 election, Biden won Lawler’s district by approximately 10 percentage points.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) predicts a fierce and costly primary for the eventual Democratic nominee in the 17th District. NRCC spokeswoman Savannah Viar criticized Jones, stating that he is too liberal for the Hudson Valley and left residents “in a lurch” by running in a different district last year.
The primary for the 17th District is expected to be highly competitive, with Democrats competing for the chance to challenge Republican incumbent Michael Lawler in the general election.
Exciting news! Looking forward to seeing Mondaire Jones back in action and bringing his fresh perspective to Congress. Best of luck in reclaiming the seat in New York’s 17th District! #JonesForCongress
“Exciting news! Mondaire Jones is taking the initiative to reclaim his congressional seat in New York’s 17th District. His dedication and experience will undoubtedly benefit the community. Wishing him the best of luck in his campaign!”