Borgia Ends Campaign For 17th Congressional Seat

OSSINING, NY — Westchester County Legislator Catherine Borgia announced Monday her withdrawal from the race to replace retiring Rep. Nita Lowey in the 17th Congressional District. Borgia was part of a field of a dozen Democrats who jumped in when Lowey, 82, indicated this would be her last term.

“I am announcing today that I am ending my campaign to represent Congressional District 17," Borgia said in a statement. "Although it is a difficult decision - especially as I have wanted to be in Congress since I watched the Watergate hearings with my parents when I was in second grade - I believe it is time for responsible leaders to put aside personal ambition for the greater good."

The Democratic field is still plenty crowded: Mondaire Jones, a corporate attorney and activist from Suffern; State Sen. David Carlucci from Rockland County; State Assemblyman David Buchwald of White Plains; Westchester County Legislator and Democratic Majority Leader Catherine Parker of Rye; Evelyn Farkas, a national security analyst and author from Chappaqua; Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, an Army vet and foreign policy professor; Allison Fine, former board chair of the NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation; and Adam Schleifer, a prosecutor in the Varsity Blues case.

On the Republican side, Josh Eisen of Harrison and Yehudis Gottesfeld are actively campaigning for the GOP nod.

Primary Day is June 23.

“In today’s fraught political landscape, it is very important that we nominate a strong Democrat," Borgia said. "One who will lead valiantly with her or his core values. One who will have the courage to stand up for the needs of this district. One who will value the rights and significance of all residents, including the underserved, the poor, the marginalized. A representative on whom we can count to stand firmly for our Democratic values - protecting the rights of all; defending the environment; creating effective solutions for the emergency of climate change; seeking practical, real solutions to address the widespread economic and social justice issues that hamper the lives and opportunities of so many people who live in CD17. We need someone who will stand with Democrats when it is uncomfortable and even when it is unpopular."

The 17th Congressional District includes all of Rockland County and much of Westchester, including Peekskill, Yorktown, Ossining, New Castle, Mount Pleasant, Tarrytown, White Plains and Harrison.

“I have lived in the heart of the Congressional district for almost 30 years, and have been an elected representative of the district for more than half that time, listening to constituents and working to alleviate the issues, concerns, and struggles of ordinary working- and middle-class families here in the Hudson Valley," Borgia said. "As a grassroots fighter for the people of this district, I know the issues that average people face: affordability, economic anxiety, worry for their children’s future and the future of the planet. Personally, my daughters and I face the same challenges, which gives me the insight, understanding, and grace and makes me committed to fighting for the struggling middle class, the under-served, and the overlooked members of our society. Our eventual Democratic nominee will need to focus on these issues in order to best represent our district.

She thanked the many friends and supporters who supported and encouraged her.

“I will always work with the community and for the community, whether I am in an elected or private role. I know that our nation’s best days are still ahead of us," Borgia said.

SEE ALSO:

• 17th Congressional Race: Candidate Forum On The Environment