TARRYTOWN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- With less than two weeks away from the first votes being cast in New York’s primary elections, arguably the most closely watched race is heating up.
The Democratic primary in New York's 16th Congressional District — essentially most of Westchester County and a handful of northern Bronx neighborhoods — is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman.
On Tuesday, former U.S. Rep. Mondaire Jones, who is likely to be the Democratic nominee in the neighboring 17th Congressional District, backed George Latimer, the current Westchester County executive.
“I am making this endorsement to stand up for my Jewish constituents because Rep. Bowman and I have very different views on Israel,” Jones said.
Meanwhile, Latimer focused most of his remarks on his accomplishments as county executive.
However, he was peppered with questions about outside money pouring into the district funding TV ads and flyers. The contentious contest between Latimer and Bowman has also raised questions about the role of race in the race.
“I think the problem is how the incumbent has tried to maintain his seat and Congress,” Latimer said. “Anyone who accuses me of racism is saying it for political purposes, not based on the way I have lived my life.”
Meanwhile, Bowman was campaigning along a busy street corner in Mount Vernon. The former school principal got recognized every few feet.
On the Jones endorsement and his comments on the war in Israel, Bowman said:
“It is not choosing one side over the other, it is ensuring that we get to a place of peace and diplomacy, especially as we see genocide happening and famine setting in in Gaza,” Bowman said.
As for the dynamics surrounding demographics in the race, Bowman bristled at the notion he has introduced those undertones into the campaign.
“We have always governed from a perspective of equity,” Bowman said. “My opponent on the other hand is funded by people who are against voting rights, against affirmative action, against reproductive justice.”
Both men identified affordability and climate change as key issues in the district.
PIX11 News will continue to carefully track the race leading up to a debate on the evening of Tuesday, June 18.
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