WASHINGTON DC – The new congressional district maps for New York have combined the districts of Democratic Congressmen Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) and Rep. Mondaire Jones (NY-17). The two are potentially slated to square off in a Democratic primary to represent the new NY-17 district. Jones has yet to announce his intentions. Maloney lives in Cold Spring and Jones resides in Westchester County.
Maloney is a veteran congressman and was selected by his Democratic colleagues to chair the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). The DCCC is the national committee that raises money and assists Democrats who are running for Congress. Jones is a freshman member of Congress.
At her weekly news conference, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi was asked about the potential primary between the two Democrats, Pelosi initially said that she was not getting involved in New York politics, but, when pressed by reporters, she subtly announced her support for Maloney. “We’re very proud of Sean Patrick Maloney.”
New York City Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, (NY-14), a Democrat, has called for Maloney to step down as Chairman of the DCCC, saying he has a conflict of interest. The outspoken lawmaker told an NBC reporter “Given the resources that he has at his helm, it creates a conflict of interest. … I believe that if he’s going to enter in a primary and challenge another Democratic member, then he should step aside from his responsibilities of the DCCC.” Maloney staff members noted that AOC is only asking for Maloney to step down as chairman if he is involved in a Democratic primary.
Meanwhile, Chris Hayden, communications director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said Maloney “fought harder than anyone to get maps that reflect the will of the people of New York, even at his own expense, and continues to fight against this illegitimate process. He has proven he can lead the DCCC without his own race interfering and he will continue to do so.”
