SOCIALIST-INSPIRED QUEEN JOHNSON TO REP. HAKEEM JEFFRIES: “I’M GOING TO UNSEAT YOU”

by Cam Wright for EastNewYork.com / Distributed by NYC Newswire

In Tuesday’s congressional primary election, the voters of East New York face a choice between re-electing Congressman Hakeem Jeffries or voting for DSA-inspired candidate Queen Johnson in the 8th Congressional district, which includes the neighborhoods of East New York, Brownsville, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Canarsie, Coney Island and Brighton Beach.

Johnson’s campaign platform mirrors the positions espoused by the Democratic Socialists of America and the national Justice Democrats, a group that has run failed campaigns against incumbent Members of the Congressional Black Caucus like Reps. Joyce Beatty, Shontel Brown and Danny Davis. Johnson has voiced her support for the Green New Deal and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In addition to shared policy positions, Queen’s rhetoric mimics other far-left wing congressional primary challengers.

Says Queen Johnson, “This race isn’t about popularity or name recognition. It’s about Building People Power!”

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries with Brooklyn resident

In Congress, Jeffries has focused on guiding communities like East New York through the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis. Recently, he helped lead passage of the historic Inflation Reduction Act that will lower health care costs and the high price of life-saving prescription drugs.

In addition, Rep. Jeffries partnered with the state to create East New York’s Shirley Chisholm State Park. Following the destruction of Superstorm Sandy, Jeffries secured funds to rebuild Coney Island Hospital and Canarsie Pier. In Bedford-Stuyvesant, Jeffries fought to save the Interfaith Medical Center when it was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Says Jeffries, “In Congress, I have worked hard to pass groundbreaking criminal justice reform legislation, make gun trafficking a federal crime for the first time in American history, bring good-paying jobs back to our community and lower costs to address inflation. But there is still more work that needs to be done, particularly in the areas of affordable housing, public safety and economic opportunity. I look forward to continuing to serve the hardworking people of the 8th Congressional district, and urge everyone to make a plan to vote.”

Says Johnson, “Jeffries don’t care about public health, public education, nor public housing! This is why he will be unseated Aug 23! Vote Queen!”

Tuesday’s contest between Johnson and Jeffries comes after the DSA and Working Families Party twice unsuccessfully targeted East New York Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas of the 60th Assembly District for defeat, and experienced other losses throughout the city of New York. Similar to Johnson, Lucas’ two-time opponent Keron Alleyne, also backed by DSA, ran on a platform of “radical change.”

The primary election for the 8th Congressional District will be held Tuesday August 23, with polls open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. To find your voting location go to findmypollsite.vote.nyc or call 866-868-3692.

 

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