Amid a critical election season, Democratic party leaders in Westchester, NY, are hoping for a major upset by candidate Mimi Rocah against Rep. Jamaal Bowman, the current New York representative for the 16th Congressional District.
On June 22, former assistant United States attorney, Mimi Rocah, announced her campaign and filed officially to challenge Bowman for the U.S. Congress seat. The effort is being backed by many high-ranking Democratic officials in the county, including New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul.
In a video released by Rocah, she says, “We’re facing two major challenges – the impact of Covid-19 and repairing the damage that’s been done by years of failed policies that have left too many people behind.”
Rocah has a long history of fighting for criminal and civil justice reform, education, women’s health and children and families in Westchester. As a former assistant U.S. attorney, she says she has the experience necessary to work with both sides of the political aisle – something Bowman has been criticized for.
Bowman is running on an insurgent, progressive platform that’s pushed for bold reforms to the criminal justice system, healthcare access and the economy. His campaign has been sustained by a wave of grassroots donations and people who stand with him in solidarity.
A closer look at the 16th Congressional District reveals a competition of two forms of the Democratic party. Bowman’s progressive style has resonated with many young people and those from poor backgrounds. However, Rocah is widely viewed as the establishment’s choice.
With the November election drawing ever closer, all eyes will be looking towards the 16th to see if Westchester’s politics will be disrupted by the upstart Bowman, or remain steady in the hands of Rocah.
