A sit-down with Mondaire Jones

Congressman hopes to represent Sullivan

By Jack Dusenbury-Dalto | Manor Ink

Sullivan County, NY – US Representative Mondaire Jones is the youngest member of the Democratic House leadership, and he may become Sullivan County’s next Congressman if he is re-elected in November, replacing Rep. Antonio Delgado. He is already getting to know us better.

Currently, Jones serves as representative for the 17th Congressional District. Due to redistricting following the 2020 Census, Sullivan County, now part of the 19th Congressional District, will become part of the 17th beginning in November, along with all of Rockland County and parts of Orange and Northern Westchester counties. Manor Ink interviewed Congressman Jones from his Washington, DC, office via Zoom to learn more about his background and his priorities.

“I don’t come from money or from a political family,” Jones said. “I grew up in Section Eight housing and on food stamps. And I was raised by a young single mom who, like so many incredible women throughout Sullivan and New York State and our nation, worked multiple jobs just to provide for the family.”

He continued, “For someone to go from poverty to the United States Congress is not a typical story. It is a story that is typical of the American dream. And I want every kid growing up, whether in Sullivan, Orange, Rockland, or Westchester, to have a shot at the American dream.”

Regarding his work in Congress since his election in 2020, Jones was enthusiastic. “We’ve accomplished so much over the past year. And I’m not stopping. I’ve got so much energy and so much hope for what my office can continue to do.”

Ukraine aid, consumer protection

At the top of the Congressman’s mind was Ukraine.“I was really proud to help pass $13.6 billion of federal aid in the form of military and humanitarian assistance to the government of Ukraine last week,” he said.

Closer to home, he spoke about his passion for the “right to repair,” formally called the Fair Act.”You know, a lot of folks, when they purchase something, sign a contract that typically is so long, very few of them bother to actually read it.” Jones believes that the people of Sullivan County will benefit from the Fair Act by eliminating the practice of forced arbitration when seeking repairs or replacement of faulty products.

Since the redistricting, Jones has been learning about Sullivan County’s needs. “I’m really proud to have already visited Sullivan County, and will be frequently visiting the county in the months and years moving forward,” he said. “I have so enjoyed the conversations that I’ve had with activists, concerned members of the community and elected officials of both major political parties.”

Congressman Jones believes that health care is a human right, and he plans to continue addressing ways to expand access to quality health care in Sullivan. “It’s not lost on me that of the 62 counties in New York State, Sullivan is number 61 in terms of health-care outcomes,” he said.

A voice for younger voters

Mondaire Jones feels that because of his youth, he brings a fresh perspective to Washington.

“I am one of the youngest members of Congress. I’m 34 years old, and I’ll be 35 on May 18. It is so clear to me based on the conversations that I have with my colleagues, that the perspective of younger political leaders is urgently needed.”

He explained that issues including making college affordable and addressing climate change are among those he feels are most relevant to young people and their future. “Our planet is burning, the frequency and severity of climate disasters are increasing. We have got to make sure that we address climate change before it is too late.”

Congressman Jones is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School. Prior to running for Congress, he worked as a litigator in private practice, where he was cited by the Legal Aid Society of New York for his pro bono service investigating claims of employment discrimination and helping families recover funds if they were defrauded during the Great Recession.

Subsequently, he served as a litigator in the Westchester County Law Department. He currently serves on a number of House committees and caucus groups.

The Democratic Party has endorsed Jones for the election to be held Nov. 8, which is when Sullivan County residents will have a chance to vote for their next Congressman. The Republican Party has endorsed Jack Schrepel to oppose Jones. The official date for candidates of either party to file as a candidate is April 7.