The head of the New York State Democratic Party apologized on Monday for comparing a mayoral candidate in Buffalo to David Duke, the former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.
New York Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs issued a statement of apology late Monday, noting that likening socialist mayoral candidate India Walton to Duke had caused more controversy than he intended.
“Using an extreme example of David Duke winning a primary, to make a logical point — even with stating twice the specific qualification that India Walton, was in a different category — was wrong,” he wrote. “I should have used a different example, and for that, I apologize.”
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Jacobs stood by his decision not to endorse Walton, claiming that “not every candidate who wins a primary is entitled, unquestionably, to the endorsement of all Party leaders or elected officials.” He instead argued candidates must earn their endorsements through policies they promote, adding he has not endorsed any party in the Buffalo mayoral race.
This comes after the party leader was asked by Spectrum New NY1 why he would not endorse Walton, a Democratic candidate for mayor of Buffalo who identifies as socialist.
“I have to endorse David Duke? I don’t think so,” Jacobs told the outlet Monday. “Now, of course, India Walton is not in the same category, but it just leads you to that question — is it a must? It’s not a must.”
Duke is a former leader, or “grand wizard,” of the KKK who served in the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1989. Duke has consistently promoted racist and antisemitic ideas throughout his career and has made several attempts for political office.
Jacobs’s comments drew ire from several New York Democrats.
“The statement was unacceptable,” said New York Sen. Chuck Schumer. “And the analogy was outrageous and beyond absurd.”
“I fundamentally reject the likening of India Walton, an inspiring Black woman committed to public service, to David Duke, one of the most prolific racists of our time,” state Attorney General Letitia James said on Twitter. “There can be no place for such rhetoric in New York.”
I fundamentally reject the likening of India Walton, an inspiring Black woman committed to public service, to David Duke, one of the most prolific racists of our time.
There can be no place for such rhetoric in New York.
— Tish James (@TishJames) October 18, 2021
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Jacobs drew controversy in early October when the party leader revealed he notified former Gov. Andrew Cuomo before endorsing Kathy Hochul for a full term.
Walton, who won the Democratic primary in June, is now running against former Mayor Byron Brown, a Democratic write-in candidate.
