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By: Fern Sidman
As the Democratic primary in New York’s 16th Congressional district gained national prominence in the last few weeks, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a vocal member of “The Squad” – a far left wing, anti-Israel faction in Congress, was facing a formidable challenge from George Latimer, the moderate county executive of Westchester. This contest, marked by deep divisions within the Democratic Party, has become a battleground over differing views on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
See ya Bowman, you terrorist supporting piece of shit. 🇺🇸💪
— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) June 26, 2024
As of 9:34 pm on Tuesday evening, with 48% of the vote counted in the Westchester congressional district, the challenger, George Latimer, had taken a comfortable lead against incumbent Bowman with 54.6% of the vote to Bowman’s 45.4%of the vote.
At 9:41 pm, the Associated Press declared Latimer the winner in the hotly contested primary,
The impetus for this high-stakes primary challenge can be traced back to Bowman’s outspoken criticism of Israel. He has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. This position has alienated him from a significant portion of his constituency and key political supporters.
NBC News reported on Tuesday night that the race drew more ad spending — $25 million, according to the ad tracking firm AdImpact — than any House primary in history. Nearly $15 million of that spending came from the United Democracy Project, a super PAC linked to the powerful pro-Israel lobby American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which backed Latimer.
This will go down in history as one of the most embarrassing attempts to win an election. Jamaal Bowman just lost. pic.twitter.com/Kd4bFmw4lo
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) June 26, 2024
Bowman has not remained silent in the face of these challenges. He has accused AIPAC of attempting to “buy the race,” highlighting the significant financial resources being funneled into the campaign against him.
Bowman was first elected in 2020 after running as a liberal insurgent against moderate Rep. Eliot Engel, a 16-term congressman who chaired a House committee on foreign affairs. The AP reported that Bowman, 48, embraced the political outsider strategy this year as well, depicting Latimer as a tool of Republican donors and pro-Israel groups.
The congressional district’s boundaries have shifted since Bowman first won office in 2020, losing most of its sections in the Bronx and adding more of Westchester County’s suburbs, as per an AP report. Today, 21 percent of its voting-age population is Black and 42 percent is non-Hispanic white, according to U.S. Census figures, compared to 30 percent Black and 34 percent white in the district as it existed through 2022. Bowman is Black. Latimer is white.
This video is 1,000,000x more satisfying to watch after Bowman’s 20-point loss pic.twitter.com/3UXUNfvJnT
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) June 26, 2024
Bowman, as the election neared, focused on driving up turnout in what parts of the Bronx remain in his district, telling supporters there that the contest could hinge on their votes. Indicated in the AP report was that he spent the bulk of his election day in the Bronx, too, and a video posted to the social media site X showed Bowman walking down a street in the Bronx with a drum line behind him on Tuesday.
The primary has attracted significant attention from prominent political figures. Other anti-Israel elected officials such as fellow Squad member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders have rallied to Bowman’s defense, underscoring his importance to the far-left, progressive wing of the Democratic Party. In contrast, Latimer had secured the endorsement of former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, representing a more moderate and centrist approach within the party.
Jamaal Bowman randomly yells during his concession speech. He seems totally normal and stable. Can’t imagine why he lost pic.twitter.com/mFiY1n8quk
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 26, 2024
The stakes in this primary are particularly high, given the district’s strong Democratic lean. The winner of the primary is almost assured victory in the general election, making this race a de facto election for the congressional seat. Bowman’s loss represents a significant disruption in what has been a relatively stable primary season for congressional incumbents, potentially emboldening moderate challengers to other progressive incumbents.
This primary encapsulates a broader ideological struggle within the Democratic Party. On one side are the progressives, who advocate for bold policy positions and are often critical of traditional U.S. alliances, including with Israel. On the other side are moderates, who emphasize pragmatic approaches and maintaining strong international relationships, particularly with key allies like Israel.
Bowman’s tenure in the House of Representatives has been marked by a number of instances where his rhetoric and voting record have drawn sharp criticism from Jewish communities and pro-Israel advocates.
Initially, Bowman attempted to engage with Jewish leaders in his district and took steps to demonstrate a balanced approach to Israel. He opposed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and supported funding for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. However, his positions began to shift, particularly following a trip to Israel organized by radically left wing organization known as J Street, which resulted in backlash from his progressive allies, including the Democratic Socialists of America, leading to their withdrawal of support for his reelection bid, according to the Jewish Insider and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
🔥🚨BREAKING NEWS: Democratic fire alarm specialist and friend to AOC Rep. Jamaal Bowman just officially lost his election to George Latimer.
This makes former Rep. Bowman the official first member of “The Squad” to lose an election. I wonder how he lost? pic.twitter.com/KGW91Up3jq
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) June 26, 2024
Bowman has frequently accused Israel of committing genocide and apartheid against Palestinians. He has been vocal about these accusations both on social media and during public speeches, contributing to a narrative that has been criticized as inflammatory and irresponsible.
Moreover, Bowman has expressed support for Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who has herself been a contentious figure due to her harsh criticisms of Israel. Bowman defended Tlaib against a Republican censure, stating she merely seeks to uplift Palestinian lives. This defense was seen as aligning with a narrative that was patently anti-Semitic, as was reported by The Jerusalem Post.
During the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, Bowman accused Israel of using white phosphorus and engaging in genocide. He also questioned the veracity of reports on atrocities committed by Hamas, such as rape and beheadings, labeling them as Israeli propaganda. This rhetoric has been heavily criticized for downplaying the suffering of Israeli victims and perpetuating harmful stereotypes, as was reported by the Jerusalem Post and the blogs at The Times of Israel.
Bowman’s voting record includes several notable instances where he opposed resolutions and legislation aimed at supporting Israel and condemning anti-Semitism. For example, The Jerusalem Post reported that he was one of only ten members of Congress to vote against a resolution standing with Israel following the October 7 Hamas attack. He also voted against the Antisemitism Awareness Act and other measures aimed at enhancing security for Jewish communities .
In various public statements and social media posts, Bowman used language that echoes anti-Semitic tropes. For instance, he described his primary opponent as an “AIPAC-backed Democrat” with “zero morals,” which some interpreted as an antisemitic dog whistle, as was noted in the Blogs at The Times of Israel.
Bowman’s statements and positions have led to a significant backlash from Jewish leaders and constituents in his district. More than two dozen rabbis from his district have publicly criticized him, stating that his policies and rhetoric do not reflect the views of the Jewish community he represents, as was indicated by the JTA. Additionally, Bowman has faced accusations of treating Jewish constituents as tokens, further straining his relationship with the community .
Insurrectionist Jamaal Bowman lost his reelection bid 🤣
Byeeee b*tch pic.twitter.com/tsGVuJmGmZ
— 🇺🇸Kelli Kay🇺🇸 (@KelliKayK) June 26, 2024
Latimer, 70, who has been the Westchester County Executive since 2018, brought significant local and state government experience into the race. He previously served as a New York State Senator as well. His platform included strong pro-Israel stances, which played a critical role given the district’s substantial Jewish community and the broader national context regarding U.S. policy towards Israel. This ideological divide was a central theme of the campaign, influencing endorsements and political advertisements, particularly those funded by the United Democracy Project and other affiliated groups.
The primary was intensely competitive, marked by significant fundraising where Latimer outperformed Bowman. Latimer raised over $3.6 million compared to Bowman’s $2.7 million, giving him a substantial edge in campaign resources, according to a report on Yahoo. These funds allowed Latimer to run a robust campaign, emphasizing his deep ties to the district and his experience in government, which he argued would enable him to more effectively represent the district’s interests in Congress.
Latimer’s victory is notable as it represents a shift in the district’s political alignment, reflecting perhaps broader currents within the Democratic Party as it grapples with internal debates over foreign policy and party ideology. News12 reported that his win sets the stage for the general election, where he is expected to focus on consolidating support within the party and reaching out to the broader electorate in the 16th District.
Latimer’s campaign gained traction with diverse voter bases, particularly among older demographics and white voters, who largely favored him over Bowman. Latimer’s approach during the campaign resonated with voters seeking effective leadership and disillusioned by what they perceived as “performative politics” in Washington.
The AP reported that in his victory speech, Latimer called for more civility following the contentious race. “We have to fight to make sure we don’t vilify each other and we remember that we’re all Americans, and our common future is bound together,” he told supporters at an event in White Plains.
Bowman didn’t get voted out because he’s Black.
He got voted out because he ran a campaign on hating Jews…I’m sorry
I meant to say Zionists. pic.twitter.com/V0GIoIcgtA— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) June 26, 2024
“We argue, we debate, we find a way to come together,” he said, according to the AP report, adding that all representatives had a duty to find ways to work across political divides and prevent the country from splintering.
Latimer said Bowman’s criticism of Israel was only part of the reason why he decided to challenge the incumbent. The AP reported that he said Bowman hasn’t been attentive to the needs of the district, maintained few relationships with its leaders, and was more interested in getting spots on cable news than he was in helping people.
Aside from his position on Israel, Bowman has been followed by lingering criticism over an incident last year when he triggered a fire alarm in a House building while lawmakers were working on a funding bill, as was indicated in the AP report. He said it was unintentional, with the alarm going off when he tried to open a locked door while trying to vote. Bowman was censured by his colleagues in the House, and the incident drew embarrassing news coverage.
In other election news, Democratic voters on Long Island marked a pivotal moment by selecting former CNN anchor John Avlon as their candidate to challenge the Republican incumbent, Rep. Nick LaLota, in the upcoming congressional elections. The district, a stronghold for the GOP for the last decade, represents a critical battleground for Democrats aiming to reclaim suburban seats and potentially secure a House majority.
John Avlon, who transitioned from journalism to politics, managed to secure the Democratic nomination by defeating Nancy Goroff, a retired chemistry professor. His victory underlines a strategic push by the Democrats to target suburban areas, which have shown fluctuating party loyalty and could be key to altering the political landscape in New York.
However, the task ahead for Avlon and the Democratic Party is daunting. Recent redistricting efforts by Democratic state lawmakers have inadvertently made this Long Island district more Republican-friendly, complicating their efforts to gain ground. This redistricting was part of a broader strategy to enhance Democratic prospects in other areas, but it has also intensified the challenge in districts like this one, where the party now faces an uphill battle to win over voters.
Elsewhere in New York, the political scene is just as competitive. In central New York, a fierce contest is unfolding as Democrats choose their nominee to challenge Rep. Brandon Williams. The candidates, state Sen. John Mannion and Sarah Klee Hood, a town councilor from the Syracuse suburb of Dewitt, are vying for a chance to contest in a district that President Joe Biden won by 11 points in the 2020 elections, the AP report said. This district’s reconfiguration and the previous electoral margin indicate a possible Democratic advantage if the party can consolidate its base and appeal to independent voters.
Meanwhile, in another part of New York, incumbent Rep. Claudia Tenney successfully defended her position against Mario Fratto, a challenger from within her party. This victory in the primary sets her up for the general election in a district that is considered safely Republican, situated along Lake Ontario. Tenney’s repeat victory in the primaries reaffirms her strong foothold in the district and her party’s robust control in the area.
These races not only highlight the dynamic nature of U.S. politics but also underscore the strategic maneuvers both parties must undertake as they prepare for the November elections. The outcomes of these primaries set the stage for what are expected to be highly contested races, reflecting the broader national effort by both parties to secure legislative majorities.
