Progressive groups boost spending against Engel

Politico

The left sees the New York primary as one of its last opportunities to oust a Democratic incumbent this year.

By HOLLY OTTERBEIN

06/18/2020 04:29 PM EDT Updated: 06/18/2020 05:41 PM EDT

Two top progressive groups are ramping up their spending on a super PAC to elect Jamaal Bowman in the closely watched congressional race in New York’s 16th District.

Justice Democrats and the Working Families Party, which previously announced that they would spend a half-million dollars on TV ads and phone canvassing to back Bowman, told POLITICO they are putting down another $250,000-plus in the days before the June 23 primary.

Their spike in funding comes as Bowman, who is challenging longtime Democratic incumbent Rep. Eliot Engel, is gaining momentum. In recent weeks, Bowman has won endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The pro-Bowman super PAC will be airing a new TV ad on Friday featuring Jumaane Williams, New York City’s public advocate, who has thrown his weight behind Bowman. In the spot, Williams is sitting in a park alongside a diverse group of young people.

snip