Facing challengers, Maloney launches re-election bid

U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney. Photo courtesy of Maloney for Congress.

By Jonathan Sperling

Veteran U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney officially launched her 2020 re-election campaign for New York’s 12th Congressional District on Wednesday, trumpeting her recent accomplishments in advocating for women’s issues and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and against the Trump administration's anti-immigrant policies.

Maloney, whose district includes a diverse cross section of New York City that includes Long Island City, Astoria and parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, was first elected to her seat in 1992. Maloney recently became the first woman to chair the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Several major pieces of legislation championed by Maloney throughout her tenure came to fruition last year, including the passage of permanent funding for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and re-authorized funding for the Debbie Smith Act, a 2004 bill that funds the testing of backlogged DNA evidence, including rape kits.

Maloney has been recently endorsed by End Citizens United, and has also been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund, National Organization of Women Political Action Committee and the Progressive Caucus PAC, among other organizations.

In Queens, Maloney helped secure $800 million in federal funding for the new Kosciuszko Bridge and has been a big proponent of East Side Access, which would construct a new Long Island Rail Road link for LIRR riders to Grand Central Terminal and providing additional transit options for Western Queens commuters. A campaign kickoff event was hosted at Maloney’s Long Island City headquarters last night.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the people of New York’s 12th District in Congress,” Maloney said in a statement. “2019 has been an extraordinary year in Congress, and I hope I’ve earned my constituents’ support for another term.” 

Maloney also highlighted the need to continue fighting for expanded healthcare coverage and for the passage of single payer Medicare for All.

Maloney will face several Democratic primary challengers in her re-election bid, including comedian and former J.P. Morgan project manager Lauren Ashcraft, tenant organizer Peter Harrison, New York University lecturer Suraj Patel and Sexual Harassment Working Group member Erica Vladimer.

The primary election will be held on June 23, 2020, followed by the general election on Nov. 3, 2020.