NEW YORK — Former Rep. Mondaire Jones abruptly became persona non grata to lefty Democrats last week after he endorsed a bid to unseat a fellow progressive incumbent in New York. The move shocked many in the political sphere, as Jones was once seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC rescinded its endorsement of former Rep. Mondaire Jones after he backed Rep. Jamaal Bowman's primary opponent. This decision sent shockwaves through the progressive community, with many questioning Jones' loyalty and judgment.
For the last two years in New York politics, Mondaire Jones has been understood as the spurned ex-congressman caught in the blast radius of a bitter primary fight. His decision to endorse Bowman's opponent has only added fuel to the fire, further alienating him from his former colleagues.
Roughly four years ago, Mondaire Jones and Jamaal Bowman made history together. Young, left-leaning Democrats, they won hard-fought races and entered Congress with high hopes of enacting progressive change. Now, their once tight-knit bond has been shattered by political differences and personal betrayals.
House progressives raged against former colleague Mondaire Jones after he endorsed Rep. Jamaal Bowman's primary opponent George Latimer. “I am disappointed in Mondaire's decision to turn his back on the progressive movement," said one progressive lawmaker. "His actions have consequences."
The influential New York Working Families Party is pulling its funding and ground support for Democrat Mondaire Jones after he threw his support behind Bowman's challenger. This move is seen as a major blow to Jones' re-election campaign, as he now faces an uphill battle to regain the trust of progressive voters.
In an embarrassing blow to his comeback bid, it appears ex-Rep. Mondaire Jones lost the primary to run under the Working Families banner. This defeat marks a significant setback for Jones, who once held high hopes of returning to Congress and continuing his progressive agenda.
Source: Election results and race calls are from The Associated Press. Produced by Michael Andre, Camille Baker, Neil Berg, and other contributors.
Rep. Michael Lawler (R) has no primary challengers, but former congressman Mondaire Jones (D) has a nominal Working Families Party primary. The outcome of this primary will be crucial in determining Jones' political future and whether he can overcome the recent backlash from his colleagues and supporters.
