Former Congressman Mondaire Jones has initiated his campaign for New York's 17th Congressional District, setting the stage for a potentially competitive Democratic primary. He joins Liz Gereghty, sister of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in vying for the nomination.
The victor of the Democratic primary will challenge incumbent Republican Representative Mike Lawler, who unseated long-serving Representative Sean Patrick Maloney in 2022 after redistricting transformed the traditionally Democratic stronghold into a swing district. Jones previously represented the 17th district but opted not to seek reelection there following the redistricting, instead mounting an unsuccessful campaign in the newly drawn 10th District.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Jones expressed his constituents' desire for him to return to Congress and continue his previous work. He attributed his absence to the "nightmarish events" surrounding redistricting. Known for being one of the first openly gay, Black congressmen, Jones aims to lower costs for working families and safeguard fundamental rights, such as access to abortion and healthcare.
Jones emphasized the personal nature of his policy motivations, stating they remain unchanged since his initial run for Congress. Citing the recent Supreme Court decision in 303 Creative, he expressed concerns about being a "second-class citizen" due to the ruling's implications for businesses denying services to gay individuals. During his previous term, Jones advocated for expanding the Supreme Court.
Jones also underscored his commitment to supporting law enforcement, citing his record of voting for increased police funding. He also called for removing "weapons of war" from the streets through an assault weapons ban and universal background checks.
In a campaign video shared on Twitter, Jones portrayed himself as a candidate outside the Washington establishment, emphasizing his upbringing by a single mother and his journey to Harvard Law School. He contrasted his background with that of most Washington politicians, highlighting his understanding of economic hardship.
Lawler's spokesperson, Chris Russell, described the congressman as a bipartisan problem-solver trusted by his constituents. Russell criticized Jones' progressive stance, endorsements from figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, support for the "defund the police" movement and New York's cashless bail law, and votes for spending that contributed to inflation.
Lawler's 2022 victory was among several Republican wins in key New York districts. The 17th district encompasses parts of four suburban counties north of New York City: Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester.
Gereghty, a small business owner and school board member, announced her candidacy in May, focusing her campaign on public education, reproductive rights, and gun control. A spokesperson for Gereghty's campaign emphasized her long-term residency in the Hudson Valley and commitment to representing the region, highlighting her as the strongest candidate to defeat Lawler.
