The Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC has revoked its endorsement of former Rep. Mondaire Jones (DN.Y.), as the House candidate faces backlash for not supporting Rep. Jamaal Bowman (DN.Y.) in his primary race.
“A number of factors led the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC to rescind its endorsement of Mondaire Jones,” Evan Brown, the PAC’s executive director, said in a statement to The Hill.
The PAC did not detail why it was chosen, though the decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of Jones, who endorsed Bowman’s primary challenger, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, earlier this week.
Jones, who is running in New York’s 17th Congressional District this cycle, said The New York Times this week he could not stand by and do nothing as Bowman ramped up his criticism of Israel amid the war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.
“As someone who is among the most popular Democrats in the Hudson Valley, it is my prerogative to play a decisive role in ending this long and painful nightmare that we have been living since Oct. 7,” Jones told the Times, adding, there is “nothing progressive in rushing to call for a ceasefire in the days following October 7th.”
Jones’ campaign confirmed to The Hill that he was notified Wednesday night of the revoked endorsement “due to” his endorsement of Latimer.
“I have no regrets about standing up for what I firmly believe in. I have known and worked with George Latimer for years. I used to represent thousands of people in what is now New York’s 16th Congressional District and have deep relationships there,” Jones said in a statement. “Rep. Bowman and I have very different views on Israel.”
“Over the past few months, I have had countless conversations with Jewish residents in my district and throughout the Lower Hudson Valley who feel anxiety, anger, and fear due to Rep. Bowman’s words and actions,” he continued. “I will always defend my Jewish voters.”
Bowman was among several progressives in the House who supported a cease-fire resolution in the early days after the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, in which about 1,200 people died and another 250 were taken hostage. Calls to stop the fighting have gradually expanded among other lawmakers as the death toll rises in Gaza.
At least 36,000 people in Gaza have been killed since the beginning of October, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.
The Hill has reached out to Bowman’s office for further comment.
Other progressives rallied in support just outside of Bowman this week, including fellow New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D), who said “Democratic unity means supporting Bowman.”
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said she was shocked by Jones’ decision, while Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) described it as “disgusting.” Semafor reported.
Jones lost his House seat in 2022, but is competing to unseat Rep. Mike Lawler (RN.Y.) in New York’s 17th Congressional District. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race as “Tossed Republican”, with a score of D+3.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
