We need to ensure that our campaign has the tools and resources to continue pushing for bold, progressive change — no matter what redistricting may look like.
Hi John, it's Luke Hayes, Jamaal's campaign manager.
Earlier in September, our teams were presented with the first drafts of the New York redistricting maps. We quickly realized that these proposed maps posed a new challenge to Jamaal and our movement by giving Jamaal a more right-leaning and reducing the Black population by about 30%. (More info on that below!)
Now, we need to ensure that our campaign has the tools and resources to continue pushing for bold, progressive change — no matter what redistricting may look like.
Reaching our $50,000 end-of-quarter fundraising goal will ensure that we do, but right now, we're trailing behind this goal. And if we want to stay on track with our plans, we'll need a massive push from the grassroots.
That's why we're asking you today: will you chip in $3 or whatever you are able to our campaign today so we can reach our FEC fundraising goal by midnight on Thursday and continue growing our competitive campaign?
Contribute $3 »
Below is a picture of the newly proposed and current redistricting boundaries:
As you can see, the proposed new district was designed to shift the boundaries of Jamaal's current district upwards. While this may not seem like a massive change, if these new boundaries are put into effect, our movement will have to grapple with exponential changes to our community:
- These new redistricting maps will all but eliminate the Bronx — including the area that included the middle school Jamaal taught at for years.
- Democratic voters in these new areas might be significantly more moderate than they are in Jamaal's current district.
- The proposed new district's population will be approximately one-third less Black than Jamaal's current district.
- New boundaries means we'll need to spend more money, time, and resources on introducing Jamaal to new potential voters.
With these changes, there may be more moderate challengers to his seat — meaning re-election will be more challenging and financially strenuous than expected.
What's more: with New York losing a house seat in redistricting, Democrats will be scrambling to hold on to an already narrow majority.
The only way our movement will be able to effectively prepare for the changes these new boundaries may bring is by ensuring that our fundraising is strong enough to overcome these challenges.
If you're able, please make your best donation today to our campaign. Your donation will not only help set our campaign up for success in the wake of these major shifts, but it will also ensure that Jamaal can continue focusing on legislating and advocating for our needs in Congress.
Onward,
Luke Hayes, Campaign Manager
Bowman for Congress
