Ex-New York Congressman Mondaire Jones apologized to Kathy Hochul after saying he didn’t want a “little bitch” as New York governor.
“I want my Democratic governor of New York to be a political animal — I want them to maximize Democratic power,” Jones told The New Yorker in a piece published Wednesday.
“I want my Democratic governor of New York to be Nancy Pelosi, O.K.?,” he said, referring to the longtime Democratic California congresswoman and former House speaker.
“And not some, like, little bitch who is afraid to stick his or her neck out.”
Jones is attempting a comeback, running against first-term Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in the 17th District encompassing the lower Hudson Valley.
Perhaps realizing his words would be perceived as a shot at the female governor, Jones then added to the reporter, “By the way, I’m not talking about any specific person.”
But he went into damage control Wednesday, issuing a statement saying he personally apologized to Hochul and that he should have chosen his words “more wisely.”
Jones had been discussing the 2022 redistricting debacle when New York judges overturned congressional maps drawn up by Democrats as overly partisan.
A special master was assigned to redraw the congressional lines and the Republicans picked up five seats.
“While I was not talking about the governor, and made clear during the interview that I was not referring to the governor, I should have chosen my words more wisely,” Jones said.
“I have spoken with the governor and apologized for this distraction. The governor has invested tremendously in the Lower Hudson Valley and has allowed us to open up field offices and hire incredible staff who are organizing our communities across the district. I look forward to continuing to work together with her to take back the House.”
Apology accepted, Hochul said.
“He apologized, but I hadn’t read the article, but I accepted it and anybody wants to apologize they can apologize to me and set the record straight,” she said.
Hochul said she will do all she can to help Jones defeat Lawler.
“The contrast in that district, Mondaire Jones over Mike Lawler, who supports Donald Trump, he supports taking away women’s reproductive rights. I know who I’m supporting. It’s real clear to me,” Hochul said.
