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.