Gretchen Whitmer’s sister drops congressional bid, backs opponent advocating police defunding
Liz Whitmer Gereghty Leaves School Board Position to Pursue Failed Primary Bid
Michigan Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer’s sister is putting an end to her short-lived New York congressional campaign and throwing her support behind her primary opponent, former congressman Mondaire Jones. Jones, known for his embrace of the defund the police movement, has gained momentum in the race.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Liz Whitmer Gereghty announced her departure from the race for New York’s 17th Congressional District. Gereghty emphasized the importance of uniting the party and focusing resources on reclaiming the House to combat the radical extremism that plagues our politics. She wholeheartedly endorsed Mondaire Jones’ campaign for Congress. Gereghty’s decision to end her campaign comes just six months after she entered the race in May.
By ending her campaign and endorsing Jones, Gereghty ensures that the Democratic Party avoids a bitter primary fight in a crucial swing district. However, Jones’ status as the likely nominee could potentially benefit Republicans as they strive to maintain their narrow House majority in 2024.
Jones, who won the 17th district in 2020 with a progressive campaign advocating for defunding the police, abolishing cash bail, and implementing Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, faced a more conservative district due to redistricting. Consequently, he decided to run in 2022 for the deep-blue 10th district. Jones finished third in the primary for his new district, and Republican Mike Lawler went on to win Jones’ former seat in November 2022.
“We must dismantle white supremacy in all aspects of our society, and that means moving funding away from police departments,” Jones wrote in a June 2020 Teen Vogue op-ed.
Now, Jones will have to defend his past support for defunding the police as he challenges Lawler. The Republican congressman wasted no time in labeling Jones as a “defund the police” and open borders radical who proudly identifies as a socialist and is associated with the Squad. The Congressional Leadership Fund also celebrated the end of Gereghty’s campaign, viewing Jones’ likely nomination as a recruitment failure for Democrats.
“New York Democrats are showing how out of touch they are with everyday voters by endorsing a radical socialist who wants to open our borders and defund the police,” said Courtney Parella, the group’s communications director.
Jones’ campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Prior to her unsuccessful congressional run, Gereghty served on the board of a public school district just north of Manhattan. She resigned from this position one month after launching her campaign. Gereghty faced criticism during her campaign for her connections to her sister’s Michigan, seeking support from the state’s congressional delegation and hiring a campaign manager who had recently worked in Michigan. These actions led Jones’ allies to dismiss her as an outsider in New York.
“I didn’t even know [Whitmer’s] sister lived in the district,” said Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D., N.Y.) in April. “And I don’t know many people who know her.”
In the context of Liz Whitmer Gereghty’s departure from the race, what opportunities does this present for Republicans to target Mondaire Jones and his progressive policies in New York’s 17th Congressional District
Ce, has emerged as a front-runner in the Democratic primary. His platform aligns with the more left-leaning members of the party, making him a popular choice among progressive voters. With Gereghty’s endorsement, Jones now has the support of a prominent figure within the Democratic Party and the Whitmer family.
Gereghty’s decision to leave her school board position in Michigan to pursue a failed bid for Congress raises questions about her political future. Many wonder if she will continue to be involved in politics or if this was simply a one-time venture. As the sister of Governor Whitmer, Gereghty has been in the public eye and her decision to run for office garnered attention. However, it remains to be seen if she will pursue another political position in the future.
For now, Gereghty’s focus is on supporting Mondaire Jones and helping him secure the nomination in the 17th district. With her endorsement, Jones gains credibility and visibility within the Democratic Party. This could further propel his campaign and increase his chances of winning the primary.
While Gereghty’s exit from the race is seen as a move to unify the Democratic Party, it also presents an opportunity for Republicans. With Jones as the likely nominee, Republicans have a chance to target him and his progressive policies in an effort to appeal to moderate voters. The 17th district is a crucial swing district, and Republicans will work hard to maintain their narrow House majority in the upcoming elections.
Overall, Liz Whitmer Gereghty’s departure from the race for New York’s 17th Congressional District comes as a surprise to many. Her decision to endorse Mondaire Jones demonstrates her commitment to party unity and the goal of reclaiming the House. While Republicans may see this as an opportunity, Democrats hope that Jones’ progressive platform will attract voters and help secure a victory in the 17th district.
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