Progressive Caucus Withdraws Support for Mondaire Jones Following Latimer Endorsement

The Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC is retracting its endorsement of former Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-N.Y., NBC News reported.

After serving for one term in Congress and losing his seat due to redistricting, Jones is seeking reelection in New York’s 17th Congressional District, representing suburban New York counties.

Once seen as a progressive figure during his 2020 campaign, Jones has now faced backlash from the caucus for endorsing Westchester County Executive George Latimer, who is challenging Squad member Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., in the state’s 16th Congressional District covering parts of Westchester and the Bronx.

Jones has criticized Bowman for his anti-Israel statements, including denying Hamas committed sexual assaults during an attack on Israel. Latimer, on the other hand, has been a vocal supporter of Israel.

“I have no regrets about standing up for what I firmly believe in,” Jones stated. “I have known and worked with George Latimer for years. Rep. Bowman and I have very different views on Israel.”

Challenging Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., Jones emphasized the concerns expressed by Jewish residents regarding Bowman’s actions.

“I will always stand up for my Jewish constituents,” Jones affirmed.

Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the chair of the Progressive Caucus in Congress, expressed to NBC News that Jones’ endorsement of Latimer was “horrific.”

“Honestly, I’m just so disgusted by it,” Jayapal remarked. “This is a former colleague of his, an incumbent member who is a top-priority candidate for us, an incumbent for us in the Progressive Caucus.”

Lawler echoed Jayapal’s sentiments in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The reality is ⁦@MondaireJones is one of them and agrees with them on nearly every issue,” Jones said. “Losing their endorsement doesn’t change that. He chose political expediency over standing up for his principles and they see it for what it is.”