Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

International

Congressman Bowman, Critic of Israel’s Policies, Ousted in Closely Watched NY Primary

George Latimer secured victory over Rep. Jamaal Bowman in the Democratic primary for New York’s 16th Congressional district on Tuesday, marking a significant setback for progressive critics of Israel in a closely-watched race with national implications.

Declared the winner around 40 minutes after polls closed at 9 p.m., Latimer, a centrist who maintained a pro-Israel stance throughout the campaign, led Bowman by over 11 points with 70 percent of the vote counted.

In his victory speech, Latimer played on Bowman’s campaign slogan, stating, “What we see tonight truly represents the many of Westchester and the Bronx.”

“While this race garnered significant attention, tomorrow marks a new chapter. We must unite to defend our Democratic values from MAGA extremism,” Latimer added in a post on X.

Bowman conceded defeat, pledging to “continue to fight” for his policy agenda, including in the Middle East.

“We will persist in advocating for a free Palestine, ensuring it’s clear that ‘Free Palestine’ is not antisemitic,” Bowman affirmed.

Bowman’s strong criticism of Israel after October 7 alienated many Jewish constituents in his district, prompting pro-Israel advocacy groups to pour record funds into the primary contest. The race was viewed as a test between the progressive and centrist factions within the Democratic Party, particularly over views on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The district, covering southern Westchester County and a part of the Bronx, is ethnically and economically diverse. The outcome of the Democratic primary is expected to decide the victor of the solidly blue area in November’s congressional election.

AIPAC spent over $14 million on the race, making it the costliest House primary ever, with other groups like Democratic Majority for Israel backing Latimer. They viewed Bowman’s defeat as a significant win amid a year of heightened criticism of Israel among progressives, hoping to diminish his anti-Israel stance within the Democratic mainstream.

Bowman had made AIPAC a focal point of his campaign and continued to criticize the group even after conceding defeat.

“We should be outraged by the influence of dark money Super PACs spending $20 million to distort the truth,” Bowman asserted. “They set a record for spending to defeat this Black man.

AIPAC congratulated Latimer on his “decisive victory over an anti-Israel opponent,” framing it as a win for the Democratic mainstream aligned with the Jewish state and a setback for extremist views.

Progressive Jewish groups, including Jews for Jamaal, expressed dismay over Bowman’s loss, arguing that his positions on social justice and human rights resonated with Democratic voters. They criticized outside spending they felt drowned out local voices in NY-16.

Bowman, elected on a progressive platform in 2020, initially endorsed mainstream positions on Israel before shifting leftward on the issue. His support for boycotting Israel and reconciliation with the Democratic Socialists of America, known for their anti-Israel stance, were controversial among mainstream and progressive Democrats alike.

Criticism from Jewish groups intensified after Bowman accused Israel of “genocide” and faced other controversies, including a censure from Congress for pulling a House fire alarm. His defeat marks the first time a member of the Squad has been unseated.

Supporters of Israel rallied behind Latimer, urging him to enter the race due to his local prominence and organizing efforts by groups like Westchester Unites, which mobilized Jewish voters under the banner of combating antisemitism.

The campaign was marked by acrimony, with accusations of racism and neglect leveled against Latimer and allegations of extremism and undue influence from outside groups against Bowman.

Written By

Health & Education

CSS 2025 Hundreds of students preparing for the Central Superior Services (CSS) 2025 examinations have taken to the streets in protest, demanding a postponement...

Latest Updates

Hamid Khan Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator and senior lawyer Hamid Khan has announced that the lawyer community will challenge the recent nominations of six...

Science & Tech

SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network experienced a sharp increase in satellite re-entries, with over 120 satellites burning up in Earth’s atmosphere in January, according to...

Sports

Karachi: Pakistan’s Ali Ilyas claimed gold in the men’s Master Open (35-39 age group) at the Asian Road Cycling Championship in Thailand, successfully defending...