The Democratic primary elections in New York's 16th Congressional District concluded Tuesday with moderate candidate George Latimer defeating incumbent Representative Jamal Bowman, who is affiliated with the progressive faction of the party. Latimer secured over 55% of the vote. Bowman became the first member of the progressive "Squad" to lose a re-election bid after campaigning heavily on his stance regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict, and at one point accused Israel of carrying out a genocide in its operations to eliminate Hamas following the Oct. 7 atrocities.
In recent months, Bowman had made statements against Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. He was accused of denying the acts of rape committed by Hamas on October 7. He also opposed the Congressional resolution supporting Israel after the Hamas massacre on October 7. At a campaign event this week, Jamal Bowman lashed out, saying, "We're going to show those f***ing AIPAC people the power of the South Bronx. What am I supposed to do? You're coming after me, my family, my children, am I not supposed to fight back? We're going to show who we are. We're going to show them what it's about."
During a pro-Palestinian rally last November, reports circulated that Bowman claimed, "Israel is using propaganda that began with the siege in Gaza. There is still no evidence of babies with severed heads or women being raped. But they keep using this false propaganda."
He later apologized for his remarks, telling Politico, "What Hamas did on October 7 was a war crime, and they must release all the hostages." He emphasized that he supported the resolution condemning Hamas's use of rape and sexual violence.
As a working-class kid in Mt Vernon, I watched my parents strive to give me the best life possible. When I graduated high school on Memorial Field, my mom cried.
She never dreamed I would be here. But tonight the voters spoke & I'm proud to be your Democratic Nominee for #NY16 pic.twitter.com/fAb3A1NiyU
— George Latimer (@LatimerforNY) June 26, 2024
Latimer, considered a moderate Democrat, enjoyed the support of the AIPAC lobby group in his current race. Federal Election Commission records show AIPAC spent around $15 million in favor of Latimer, as reported by ABC. The funding was intended for purchasing ads against Bowman, who in turn attacked AIPAC for its efforts to boost his rival.
During the campaign, Bowman received backing from members of "The Squad," associated with the far-left wing of the Democratic Party. His progressive colleague, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, handily defeated her opponent in District 14 with over 80% of the vote. Earlier, he also secured the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders, known for his progressive stances. Latimer, on the other hand, received the backing of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
A mid-June poll by Emerson College indicated Latimer leading Bowman by 17 percentage points. Regardless of the winner, the district's seat is expected to remain in Democratic hands in an election year that will shape the House of Representatives.
