(Political) Rumble in the Bronx

Next Tuesday is primary day. There are a number of progressive challengers running against longtime incumbents in Democratic primaries for State Assembly, State Senate, and US House races. Obviously these primaries are more important than the general election since the winners are 99% certain to prevail in November.

The most high-profile and brutal of them is in the Bronx.

Congressman Eliot Engel has held this seat for 32 years, winning cycle after cycle without any problem. Engel's district encompasses the north Bronx, including wealthy white Riverdale, as well some poorer, mostly black areas. Until recently he seemed a shoe-in for another term. But in this time of Black Lives Matter and social justice protests, as well as a strong challenge from middle school principal Jamaal Bowman, plus a huge dumb public gaffe by Engel, the race "is on."

The result of this primary will be fascinating. It's a classic example of experience vs. time for a change, a well-entrenched and well-financed incumbent who worked his way up in and works well with the party establishment vs. an un-bought and super-motivated outsider who brings consensus-busting policies (like Medicare for All, etc.) into the debate. It's quite reminiscient of AOC vs. Crowley two years ago (Bowman has gotten AOC's endorsement) so this primary could be another big progessive upset or yet another example of "the house always wins." Bowman is a compelling, interseting candidate but Engel has a strong and admirable record of service -- in a sense, they both deserve to win.

But only one will. If Engel does, it'll certainly be a huge blow to the DSA crowd but, if Bowman wins, it'll super-charge the progessive challengers in cycles to come -- and change the face and policies of the NYC congressional delegation for years and perhaps decades to come.