NY Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones to take on Bill de Blasio in newly drawn congressional district
Redistricting process in New York has roiled the Democratic Party in the state
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones, a freshman lawmaker from New York, has announced his intentions to run for New York's newly redrawn 10th District.
Jones claimed that he was inspired to run for the seat by the redrawn "partisan" maps and threats from Republicans' "disregard" for society and culture.
"The final maps released today are the result of partisan politics–drawn by an out-of-state, Republican court appointee who has shown utter disregard for cultural, social, and economic communities of interest," Jones wrote on Saturday. "It is designed to reduce the number of NY Democrats in Congress."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FORMER NYC MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO TO RUN FOR CONGRESS IN NEWLY DRAWN DISTRICT
The election is shaping up to be a controversial one for Democrats, as former mayor Bill de Blasio has already staked his claim in the 10th. Rep. Jerrold Nadler currently occupies the seat, but has announced his plans to vacate.
Reps. Gabrielle Giffords and Mondaire Jones at the Jewish Community Center of Krakow as part of a congressional delegation, 19th April 2022. (Photo by Chuck Fishman/JCC Krakow/Getty Images)
Jones emphasized the history of the district as a motivator for him to seek election.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I have decided to run for another term in Congress in #NY10," Jones continued. "This is the birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Since long before the Stonewall Uprising, queer people of color have sought refuge within its borders."
Jones' announcement raises eyebrows since former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio already announced that he is running for Congress in the same district.
DE BLASIO SAYS BIDEN SHOULD LEARN FROM MAYOR'S ‘UNPOPULAR’ MISTAKES
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Earlier this year, de Blasio turned down a run for New York governor, as he polled far behind Gov. Kathy Hochul in the Democratic primary.