THE BRONX, N.Y. Its easy to forget now, but the hot mic moment that may end up costing Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) his seat only arose because of the recent wave of Black Lives Matter protests.

The peaceful demonstrations across New York City turned into civil unrest and looting on a major Bronx thoroughfare one night in early June. The following day, emerging from a prolonged stay in his Maryland home , Engel joined a press conference that combined condemnations of property destruction with calls for an end to police brutality and racism.

A live TV broadcast picked up Engel unsuccessfully pleading for a speaking slot: If I didnt have a primary, I wouldnt care, he said.

The words ricocheted through the media, amplified by six-figure advertising buys that used the remarks as a symbol of Engels absence from the district and inattention to the concerns of his mostly Black and Latino constituents.

Dorrel Wallen, a retired health care worker, greeted middle school principal Jamaal Bowman , Engels challenger, before Bowmans appearance marking the Juneteenth holiday in Co-Op City on Friday. Wallen, who had voted for Engel for years, is opting for Bowman this time and the hot mic moment was at the top of her mind.

How can you say that? she said. You cant say that and expect us to give you a vote. You take it for granted.