Bowman Declared Winner Over Engel In 16th CD Democratic Primary

YONKERS, NY — Jamaal Bowman has been declared the winner of the Democratic primary for the 16th Congressional District, according to The Associated Press. While not all the mail-in ballots have been counted, Bowman's 13,000-vote lead over incumbent Rep. Eliot Engel is more than the congressman can overcome, the AP said.

Bowman, 44, said in a statement he was ready to get to work and cannot wait to get to Washington "and cause problems for the people maintaining the status quo.

"I'm a Black man who was raised by a single mother in a housing project. That story doesn't usually end in Congress. But today, that 11-year-old boy who was beaten by police is about to be your next Representative."

Engel, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was seeking a 17th term in office.

He said the numbers were clear that he won't be nominee.

"Serving the people of the Bronx and Westchester in Congress has been the greatest privilege of my life, and what a remarkable 32 years it has been," Engel said in a statement.

"I wish Mr. Bowman well as he begins this new chapter in his life," he said. "Here in New York's 16th District, where I have lived since I was a young boy in Eastchester Gardens, we desperately need Washington's resources at this critical time, and we must continue to fight for them."

Bowman, a Yonkers resident, has a doctorate in educational leadership from Manhattanville College, a master's degree in counseling from Mercy College and a bachelor in sports management from the University of New Haven.

He has worked for 20 years as a public school teacher and principal. He is the founder and former principal of the Cornerstone Academy for Social Action, a Bronx public middle school.

Bowman is married with three children.

Chris Fink and Sammy Ravelo were also on the ballot. Andom Ghebreghiorgis pulled out of the race after the ballots were printed.

The 16th Congressional District includes the northern Bronx and Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Bronxville, Tuckahoe, Pelham, Pelham Manor, Rye, Rye City and parts of Ardsley, Hastings-on-Hudson and Edgemont.

The district is heavily Democratic, so Bowman is likely assured of winning the November general election. The only other challenger on the ballot will be Patrick McManus of the Conservative Party. There is no Republican candidate.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was updated from its original version to include a statement from Rep. Eliot Engel.

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