Buchwald Announces Run To Replace Lowey

WHITE PLAINS, NY — As things stand now, there will be a primary to fill the seat in Congress being vacated by longtime Rep. Nita Lowey, a Democrat from Harrison. Over the weekend, Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat representing the 93rd District of New York, announced he would run to represent the 17th Congressional District, which is comprised of part of Westchester County and all of Rockland County.

In a video posted on Facebook, Buchwald, sitting next to his wife Lara, thanked Lowey for her years of service, her integrity and "for being a strong progressive voice against the dangerous extremism of Donald Trump."

He pledged to continue Lowey's work "with the same integrity, progressive vision and true blue Democratic values.

"This will not be an easy election, but I have never shied away from a fight," Buchwald said.

He was first elected to the Assembly in 2013, having previously served on the White Plains Common Council.

Buchwald grew up in Larchmont and has lived in White Plains for 17 years, according to his Assembly website.

Lowey announced her retirement Thursday, saying she would not seek re-election in 2020. She has served 16 terms in Congress, having first been elected in 1988.

Lowey was the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee.

Mondaire Jones, a Rockland County Democrat, had hoped to primary Lowey. He describes himself as "a 32-year-old, openly gay, black, man."

After Lowey's announcement, he called her a trailblazer "for women and minorities such as myself" and said she made it easier for "people like me to run for office."