A Democratic primary is heating up in a North Jersey congressional district, after Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah announced on Thursday that he will challenge U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9th).
Pascrell has faced growing backlash from the large Palestinian-American community in District 9 for refusing to call for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The mayor criticized Pascrell for initially refusing to call for a ceasefire at all and, for now, only calling for a conditional ceasefire based on the release of hostages and flow of humanitarian aid. The mayor said it’s evidence Pascrell no longer represents his constituents.
“I’m running, because while Bill is making decisions from the comfort of his offices in D.C. and Paterson, he has lost touch with his district,” Khairullah said. “He is unable to see the pain, he is unable to feel the pain and suffering of others. He has shown a lack of empathy and sympathy to all residents of his district, particularly our Palestinian brothers and sisters.”
A spokesperson for Pascrell released a statement: “Congressman Pascrell is eager to run for reelection against any challenger on his broad record of supporting the American economy, defending women’s health freedom, and protecting American democracy. He has always had a good relationship with the Mayor, including being the first in line to demand an explanation from the Secret Service when the Mayor was banned entry to the White House.”
