Mondaire Jones

Mondaire Jones, the progressive Democrat vying for New York's 17th congressional district, is a political newcomer looking to shake up the establishment. Raised in Section 8 housing by a single mom, Jones overcame socioeconomic barriers to graduate from Stanford University and Harvard Law. His upbringing shaped his stance as an uncompromising advocate for education reform and equal opportunity.

After a stint at the Obama-era Department of Justice, Jones ran for Congress in NY-17 in 2020. He won a crowded primary and served one term, losing his seat to redistricting. While in Congress, he was voted the most legislatively active freshman congressman. In his term, Jones delivered record law enforcement funding to support police officers, built a record as a staunch defender of Israel, and worked to block members of Congress from getting rich off the stock market. In response to the overturning of Roe v Wade, he introduced the Judiciary Act, which would add four seats to the Supreme Court.

Now facing an incumbent Republican who narrowly won in 2022, Jones must navigate the district’s ideological divide. His advocacy for expansive social programs could galvanize the district's affluent suburbanites or it may alienate its more conservative segments. In addition, Jones has angered the Congressional Progressive Caucus for endorsing a primary challenger who is facing a progressive candidate.

Jones is known for his support of increasing voter registration, protecting a woman’s right to reproductive freedom, and creating a greener, healthier environment.

The 34-year-old's meteoric rise reflects a broader restlessness among Democrats yearning for generational change. Whether Jones can flip this historically marginal district remains to be seen. But. NY-17 is rated D+3, meaning that the district performed three points more Democratic than the country did in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.