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Former Obama Defense Official Joins NY-17 Race

Evelyn Farkas

Another candidate wants to succeed retiring Democratic Congresswoman Nita Lowey in New York’s 17th District. Chappaqua resident Evelyn Farkas served under President Obama in the Department of Defense and says she sounded the alarm about Russian election interference. She said as much in a tweet Monday, announcing her candidacy. WAMC’s Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison spoke with Farkas about why she’s running.

Farkas joins four other Democrats running so far — Allison Fine, the immediate past chair of the national board of NARAL: Pro Choice America Foundation; state Assemblyman David Buchwald; state Senator David Carlucci; and Rockland County native Mondaire Jones.

For health care, she thinks building upon the Affordable Care Act is a start, as is deflating prescription drug prices. She also wants to restore the state and local tax, or SALT, deduction that was curtailed by federal tax legislation President Trump signed in December 2017.

The 17th District includes all of Rockland County and part of Westchester, and is considered by ratings groups to be solidly Democratic. The primary election is in June.

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