New York State Democratic Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs in a lengthy statement on Wednesday blasted the primary challenge launched against incumbent Rep. Carolyn Maloney by Rana Abdelhamid, who is backed by the Justice Democrats.

The statement was a pointed one, noting Abdelhamid's age (27) and that she does not currently live in the congressional district (not a requirement to run). But the statement was also a preview of what to expect as the 2022 election cycle begins to mature. 

Progressives, as they have in the recent past, will continue to be emboldened to take on long-time incumbent Democrats in New York. This is partially due to the success of lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as those recently elected in 2020, like Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Mondaire Jones. 

Expect the trend to continue for the state Legislature as well, which saw several incumbent Democrats swept aside in the June primary last year. 

As a heavily Democratic state with heavily lined Democratic pockets, primaries will become increasingly competitive on the left, and potentially more polarized between perceived moderates and perceived progressives. 

But the nominating contests are still more than a year away. In his statement, Jacobs pointed to a long list of Maloney's recent accomplishments for consumers, September 11 first responders and support for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Make no mistake about it," he said. "This challenge is not about progressive causes. This challenge is about one thing: power. Maloney has it and the DSA wants it."

Correction: The original version of this story misstated the endorsements received by Rana Abdelhamid.