New York Democrat Jamaal Bowman, who is mounting a primary challenge to Rep. Elliot Engel (D-N.Y.) to represent the states 16th District, announced Friday his campaign has raised more than $1 million since its launch, a hefty haul for a primary challenger.
Bowman was buoyed after his campaign raised $264,644 in just three days after progressive firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezAttorney says 75-year-old man shoved by Buffalo police suffered brain injury How language is bringing down Donald Trump Highest-circulation Kentucky newspaper endorses Charles Booker in Senate race MORE (D-N.Y.) endorsed him.
The fundraising news comes after Engel was caught on a hot mic saying, “If I didn’t have a primary, I wouldn’t care,” after being told that not all lawmakers at an event to address the Monday night protests in New York might get a chance to speak.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bowman was also boosted when Andom Ghebreghiorgis, another progressive in the primary race, suspended his campaign and endorsed Bowman, a former middle school principal.
“Jamaal Bowman is a better candidate, with a better message, and is more in touch with the district. Eliot EngelEliot Lance EngelThe Hill’s Campaign Report: Bad polling data is piling up for Trump The Hill’s Morning Report – Trump’s public standing sags after Floyd protests Engel scrambles to fend off primary challenge from left MORE’s biggest advantage is money, and the fact that we’re now competitive with a 31-year incumbent when it comes to fundraising shows just how much trouble he is in,” said Bowman’s campaign manager Luke Hayes.
Hayes added that the campaign will use its beefed up war chest to expand its voter outreach and paid communications efforts.
Still, unseating Engel, a 16-term incumbent, will be no easy feat. Engel has a high-profile perch as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and played a key role in the House’s impeachment investigation. He’s also cited his seniority and work to secure health care and education funding for his district.
“I have been one of the real pains in the neck to Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE in Washington,” he said at a virtual debate this week. “I’ve now had lots of seniority, being in Congress a long time, and I have the clout. I bring home the bacon. I bring home the money. I can do those kinds of things. That’s not something a freshman can do.”
Click Here: cheap Cowboys jersey
Engel also has the backing of House heavyweights such as Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiTrump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Pelosi: Georgia primary ‘disgrace’ could preview an election debacle in November MORE (D-Calif.), Rep. Gregory MeeksGregory Weldon MeeksHighest-circulation Kentucky newspaper endorses Charles Booker in Senate race To move the recovery forward, invest in transportation infrastructure Sanders endorses Engel challenger in New York primary MORE, head of the Queens Democratic Party, and the Congressional Black Caucus.
Bowman and Engel will face off in the House primary on June 23.