Bowman, Jones Hold Substantial Leads; Both Declare Wins

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Two congressional candidates in the Hudson Valley seem to have clear shots at winning their races because of substantial leads, without yet having absentee ballots counted.

According to the state Board of Election, Democrat Jamaal Bowman is likely headed to victory in the 16th Congressional District over the Conservative Party's Patrick McManus.

With 637 out of 732 districts reporting, Bowman has 68 percent of the vote to McManus' 14 percent.

On Instagram, Bowman said he was "humbled" to be the next representative of the district.

"I'm ready to get to work to disrupt the status quo and deliver for our families," he said.

Bowman bested long-time Rep. Eliot Engel in the Democratic primary.

The 16th Congressional District is comprised of northern Bronx and the southern half of Westchester County, including cities of Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle and Rye.

Mondaire Jones, running to take over the 17th Congressional District from retiring Rep. Nita Lowey, is the highest vote getter out of a five-person race. The New York State Board of Elections said, with 598 out 631 districts reporting, has Jones with 50 percent of the vote.

Currently in second place is Republican Marueen McArdle-Schulman with 37 percent.

At a news conference Wednesday, Jones, who has described himself as growing up poor, black and gay, said he never imagined someone like him could run for Congress, "much less get elected."

"Yesterday was a day of days," he said. "The great people of New York's 17th congressional district continued to defy conventional wisdom and rally behind a people's champion."

Also on the ballot were Conservative Yehudis Gottesfeld, Michael Parietti of the Serve America Movement party and Independent Joshua Eisen.

The 17th Congressional District is made up of Rockland County and portions of central and northwestern Westchester County.

Still left to be counted are all mail-in absentee ballots. Under New York law, mail-in ballots may be received up to seven days after the election — this year, Nov. 10 — as long as they are postmarked by Election Day.

Lanning Taliaferro/Patch contributed to this report.