Politics in the 16th District is never just about one person. It’s about the identity of a massive chunk of land that stretches from the tightly packed streets of the northern Bronx up through the manicured lawns of southern Westchester. If you live in Yonkers, White Plains, or New Rochelle, you’ve likely felt the shift. It is a place of intense contrasts. One minute you’re looking at some of the highest poverty rates in the country, and the next, you’re driving past some of the wealthiest ZIP codes in the United States.
Honestly, the 2024 primary changed everything. When George Latimer unseated Jamaal Bowman, it wasn't just a local headline; it was a national earthquake. People are still talking about the record-breaking spending. Over $25 million poured into a single primary. That’s wild. But beyond the money, it signaled a pivot in how the New York district 16 sees itself and its role in Washington.
Who represents New York district 16 right now?
As of 2026, George Latimer holds the seat. He’s a veteran of the local political scene, having served as Westchester County Executive before making the jump to Congress. He isn't a newcomer. Far from it. Latimer has been in the game for decades, starting way back on the Rye City Council in the late 80s.
You’ve probably seen him around if you attend local community meetings. He’s known for a "boots on the ground" style. Since taking office in January 2025, his focus has shifted toward more traditional legislative work. We’re talking about things like the BOWOW Act to protect working animals and efforts to prevent bridge strikes by large trucks. It’s practical, everyday stuff that doesn't always make the "breaking news" ticker but affects how the district actually functions.
The 119th Congress has seen him take spots on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Small Business. Given the intense debate over Middle East policy that defined his primary race, his role on the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa is particularly notable. He’s navigating a tightrope. He has to balance the moderate, pro-Israel stance that helped him win with the needs of a diverse, 100% urban district.
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The weird geography of the 16th
Maps are boring until you realize they dictate your taxes and your schools. The current boundaries of New York district 16 are a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. It includes most of southern Westchester—think Mount Vernon, Rye, Mamaroneck, and Scarsdale—alongside a slice of the northern Bronx.
- Yonkers: The powerhouse city of the district.
- Mount Vernon: A city with deep history and significant infrastructure needs.
- The Bronx portion: Includes neighborhoods like Wakefield and Woodlawn.
- The Sound Shore: Communities like Larchmont that face unique coastal and environmental challenges.
The demographics are just as varied. You have a population that is roughly 40% White, 29% Hispanic, and 21% Black. The median household income is over $100,000, but that number is misleading. It masks the reality of families in the Bronx or Mount Vernon who are struggling with rising rents and food costs. When we talk about "the district," we’re really talking about two different worlds trying to live under one legislative roof.
Why the 2026 election is already on the radar
Even though we just got through one cycle, the 2026 race is already simmering. George Latimer is running for re-election. The filing deadline is April 2, 2026, with the primary set for June 23. Most experts, including those at the Cook Political Report, currently rate the seat as "Solid Democratic." That makes sense. The district has a Cook PVI of D+18.
But will there be a primary challenge? That’s the big question. So far, Jamaal Bowman hasn't signaled a rematch. There’s been talk of him potentially joining a New York City administration under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Without a high-profile progressive challenger, the race might be quieter than the last one, but in New York politics, things change in a heartbeat.
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Real issues facing the people in the 16th
People care about the subway. They care about their basements flooding when it rains too hard. They care about the price of gas at the station on Central Ave.
One of the biggest hurdles right now is infrastructure. The district is old. The pipes are old. The bridges are old. Latimer recently introduced legislation to require new technology in electric and hybrid vehicles to help put out battery fires. It sounds niche, but for a district with heavy traffic and dense housing, it’s a safety issue that hits home.
Then there’s the "affordability gap." If you’re a small business owner in New Rochelle, you’re feeling the squeeze of inflation and shifting trade policies. Latimer and his colleagues have been pushing the Treasury for tariff refunds for small businesses. It’s a move to keep the local economy from stalling out.
The political shadow of the "Squad"
You can't talk about New York district 16 without mentioning the "Squad." Jamaal Bowman was a founding member of that progressive group. His defeat was a massive blow to that wing of the party. It showed that in a district like this—one that is diverse and relatively affluent in parts—voters might prefer a more moderate, "results-oriented" approach over a "movement-oriented" one.
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Latimer’s win was fueled by massive support from groups like AIPAC, which spent millions to oppose Bowman. This created a lot of friction. Some residents felt the election was "bought" by outside interests. Others felt Bowman had lost touch with the specific needs of Westchester by focusing too much on national activism. That tension hasn't just disappeared. It’s still there, bubbling under the surface of every town hall and school board meeting.
Navigating the district in 2026
If you’re trying to stay informed or get involved, there are a few things you should actually do. Don't just read the headlines.
- Check your specific representative: Boundaries shifted slightly after the 2024 redistricting. Make sure you’re actually in the 16th and not the 15th or 17th.
- Follow the Citizen Task Forces: Latimer recently launched seven citizen task forces. These are made up of residents—people like you—who advise on specific issues. It’s the most direct way to get your voice into the room.
- Watch the primary dates: Even if the general election feels like a foregone conclusion in a deep blue district, the primary is where the real power lies. June 23, 2026, is the date that matters.
- Look at the local level: A lot of what happens in the 16th is driven by what’s happening in Albany and the Westchester County Board of Legislators. The relationship between the Congressman and the Governor (currently Kathy Hochul) dictates how much federal funding actually reaches the streets.
Politics here is a contact sport. Whether you’re in the Bronx or the "Golden Horseshoe" of Westchester, the 16th is a microcosm of the entire Democratic party's internal struggle. It’s about figuring out how to be progressive enough for the city and moderate enough for the suburbs. It’s a tough gig.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your registration: Visit the New York State Board of Elections website to confirm your polling place for the June primary.
- Join a Task Force: Reach out to the district office in White Plains to see if there are openings on the newly formed citizen committees.
- Track the Money: Use the FEC website to see who is funding the 2026 campaigns. In this district, the donors often tell you more than the speeches.