“Westchester Dem Seeks to Topple Rep. Bowman in Showdown!

The race for New York’s 16th Congressional District is heating up as the top democrat in Westchester, Kenneth Clapper, has thrown his hat into the ring as a challenger for incumbent Congressman Jamaal Bowman. Clapper brings with him an impressive political resume, having been a White Plains City Council member, Westchester County Legislator, coronor, and former Westchester County Clerk. With Bowman having taken office less than a year ago, this is sure to be an interesting and contentious race for the District. Clapper had originally intended to run for re-election as County Clerk, a position he has held since 2017, but his decision to step aside and challenge Bowman for the Congressional seat suggests that Clapper believes Bowman’s current policies are out of touch. Clapper has already voiced his disagreement with Bowman’s decision to co-sponsor legislation proposing the abolishment of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The primary election is scheduled for June, and is widely expected to be a three-way battle between Clapper, Bowman, and Bronx Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. Clapper is viewed as the favorite to challenge Bowman in the Congress, given his widespread experience in Westchester politics. However, while Clapper has largely avoided airing his political views on television, Bowman has taken on a much more active public presence within the District, actively highlighting his positions on various topics, such as health care and economic development. Overall, the high-profile matchup between Clapper and Bowman promises to be exciting and offers a contrast of very different policy agendas, making the primary election one to definitely watch. No matter who the people of New York’s 16th District choose to represent them in the U.S. Congress, one thing is for sure- this race is sure to be an interesting and hotly contested one.