For Immediate Release, June 17, 2020
Contact: Brett Hartl, (202) 774-7296, bretthartl@centeractionfund.org
Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund Endorses Four Progressives to Take On Entrenched Democratic Incumbents in NY and NJ
TUCSON, Ariz. — The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, the 501(c)(4) political arm of the Center for Biological Diversity, today announced that it is endorsing Jamaal Bowman in New York’s 16th Congressional District, Dr. Arati Kreibich in New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District, and both Russ Cirincione and Amani Al-Khatahtbeh in New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District.
Each of these progressives is challenging an establishment Democrat who has failed to offer bold solutions to address the environmental crises the United States now faces.
Bowman is challenging Rep. Elliot Engel, current chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and is running on a progressive platform supporting the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and criminal justice reform. In response to the nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Engel cynically requested to speak at a news event where he was overheard saying, “If I didn’t have a primary, I wouldn’t care.”
“Elliot Engel is out of touch and has spent too long in Congress. We need the energy and vision that Jamaal Bowman has brought to his campaign every day if we are going to solve the challenges our country faces,” said Brett Hartl, chief political strategist at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund.
Dr. Arati Kreibich is a council member in Glen Rock, N.J., a neuroscientist and an immigrant. She supports the Green New Deal and would work toward legislation establishing a goal of net zero emissions by 2030 and implementing an aggressive plan for creating renewable energy jobs. She is challenging Rep. Josh Gottheimer.
“Dr. Arati Kreibich will be the progressive champion we need right now to fight for climate and our environment, and we are thrilled to endorse her,” said Hartl.
Dr. Kreibich provided the following statement:
“I’m so honored to be endorsed by the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund. As the Trump administration continues to roll back crucial environmental regulations, it’s more important than ever that we work together to pass a Green New Deal and take bold climate action. I’m proud to partner with CBD Action in our fight to protect our wildlife, our public lands and our planet.”
In New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District, the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is endorsing both challengers to Rep. Frank Pallone: Russ Cirincione and Amani Al-Khatahtbeh. Both are running on a progressive platform in support of the Green New Deal
“Frank Pallone has totally failed New Jersey and this nation on climate change, we simply cannot afford two more years with him setting policy on climate change,” said Hartl.
The Center Action Fund is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for legislation and legislators that will advance a progressive environmental agenda. The Center Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) affiliate of the Center for Biological Diversity, but these organizations’ names are not interchangeable. This news release is from the Center Action Fund, not the Center for Biological Diversity.