Voters in the newly redrawn 16th Congressional District may not be familiar with any of the democratic candiates, including the incumbent, Congressman Jamaal Bowman. Bowman has represented lower and mid Westchester and the Bronx for the past two years but the district now runs up the sound shore and into Northern Westchester and Putnam County.
Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi, has announced that he will challenge Congressman Jamaal Bowman in a democratic primary in the redrawn 16th Congressional District. The district now runs from the Bronx, through Yonkers, all of way up to Northern Westchester and Putnam County.
Yonkers Rising has learned that Mayor Mike Spano and Yonkers Democratic Chair Tom Meier will not challenge Rep. Bowman. Both had explored the race, with Spano conducting some polling, which found that Spano would be competitive in a one-on-one race with Bowman, but as one Yonkers democrat told us, “it’s a monumental undertaking to challenge an incumbent Congressman.”
Meier has also contemplating a challenge to Bowman, which included discussions with local democratic chairs in Westchester. “I took a look at it but I withdrew and I’m supporting Gashi,” said Meier.
Gashi formally announced on March 8, with a pledge to champion Democratic values and principles that deliver for everyday New Yorkers. Most democrats in Yonkers and lower Westchester are not familiar with Gashi. “My family came to America as refugees. I grew up in the Bronx and now I’m raising my family in Westchester. This country gave my family a chance at the American dream. My campaign is about ensuring that all New Yorkers have a shot at the American dream by fighting to protect working families and expanding the middle class.
“Our country is at a critical point in terms of domestic and foreign policy. But with a struggling economy, failing infrastructure, and voting and reproductive rights under assault, we need leadership that unites our country towards a common purpose. On the international stage, the world is pulling together to isolate and punish Russia for its unprovoked attack against the Ukrainian people. As a refugee, I know firsthand the importance of the world speaking with one voice in the face of aggression. Whether it’s leading on issues at home or abroad, our community deserves a representative who is in line with our party’s core values, will put progress before posturing and will work to get things done,” said Gashi.
“I believe in the promise of America and what we can achieve when we’re united. I look forward to continuing my conversation with residents to learn more about their concerns and share my vision of how we can strengthen our country and create a fairer New York that works for everyone.”
Gashi is serving his second term on the county board representing the 4th District, which includes Yorktown and Somers. He is a graduate of Lakeland High School in Yorktown.
