On Wednesday evening, Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman called on his supporters to help him win a third term beginning what could be one of the most closely watched and largest-funded congressional races in the country.

The two-term congressman represents New York's 16th District, which includes parts of lower Westchester and a slice of the Bronx. He officially launched his reelection campaign at an event at Off the Hook of Yonkers.

"If we weren't doing the right thing. If we weren't fighting for justice, if we weren't fighting for freedom, humanity, and equality, and our children they would not be coming after us," Rep. Bowman said.

Rep. Bowman is facing a challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer who announced his campaign last month.

The incumbent made his announcement flanked by one of the party's progressive leaders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who has been out fundraising for Bowman's reelection.

"We will not be scared, we will not be intimidated, we will not be frightened out of standing up for what's right," she said.

Rep. Bowman has been an outspoken member of the party's progressive wing and has made it a priority to fight for some of the district's most historically underserved communities. He highlighted more than $125 million he delivered to the district over his first three years in office including $88 million to combat flooding in Mamaroneck, $12 million for the New Rochelle LINC Project, and $25 million for investments in anti-gun violence, affordable housing, and climate action.

The congressman also touted his legislative work on the CHIPS and Science Act, as well as the Inflation Reduction Act. He has also made headlines for being one of six House Democrats to vote against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in protest because it did not include the Build Back Better Act, being censured for triggering a fire alarm in the Capitol office building during a vote to avoid a government shutdown, and for his criticism of the Israeli government and calls for a ceasefire.

Bowman was first elected in 2020 following a bruising Democratic battle against 16-term incumbent Eliot Engel and easily defeated his Republican challenger in 2022.

There's a third candidate in the race, Irvington-based financial advisor Marty Dolan also announced his candidacy.

Latimer's campaign declined to comment on Bowman's reelection announcement.

A spokesperson for Dolan's campaign has not yet responded to our request for comment.