Sitting New York City Democrats Under Fire from Their Own

 

By Bridget Bowman 

Outsize Democratic energy has been directed at unseating Republicans this election cycle, but in New York City, Democrats are taking aim at their own. Four veteran lawmakers are unloading their campaign war chests to fend off intraparty opponents. 

These Democrats aren’t worried about losing their primaries Tuesday. They say they’re simply taking their races seriously. But it’s a new experience for some incumbents, who have rarely faced contested primaries. 

While Democratic primary challengers have been rare so far this cycle, it’s not a surprise that they’re popping up in the liberal bastion of New York City. And the new burst of party enthusiasm following the 2016 presidential election has helped get them some attention.

“I certainly wouldn’t have been able to run this race four years ago,” said Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a 28-year-old organizer for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. She’s taking on House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joseph Crowley in the 14th District.

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Source: Roll Call (via Empire Report New York)