George Latimer, a pro-Israel centrist, emerged victorious over U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman in a Democratic primary in suburban New York that exposed the party’s deep divisions regarding the conflict in Gaza.
Latimer’s win signifies the removal of one of Congress’s most progressive voices and outspoken critics of Israel. Bowman has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives in military attacks.
Led into the race by Jewish leaders and with substantial financial support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Latimer is a former state legislator and has been serving as Westchester County executive since 2018.
In his victory speech, Latimer called for increased civility post the contentious election, emphasizing the importance of unity among Americans and bridging political gaps to prevent division.
Bowman, seeking a third term representing a district in New York City’s northern suburbs, suffered a setback for the party’s progressive wing and other candidates shaping their messaging around the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The defeat disrupted what had been a fairly stable primary season for Congressional incumbents overall. However, GOP Rep. Bob Good faces a close contest with a Donald Trump-backed rival in a race that is too close to call.
Despite his loss, Bowman remained resolute in his stance against the war in Gaza, articulating his core values during his election party in Yonkers.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee poured nearly $15 million into the primary race, aiming to defeat Bowman with negative ads and actively engaging voters to sway the election results.
Major progressive figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, voiced support for Bowman during the campaign, while Latimer secured an endorsement from former presidential candidate and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.
Both Bowman and Latimer back a two-state solution regarding Israel and have condemned Hamas’ actions, yet differ in their approach to certain resolutions and negotiations with the group.
After Latimer’s victory, he criticized Bowman’s leadership and commitment to the district, highlighting his own experience and connections as qualities that would make him an effective Congressional member.
Aside from the Israel conflict, Bowman also faced scrutiny over a past incident triggering a fire alarm in a House building, leading to censure by House colleagues and negative media coverage.
The district’s population makeup has evolved since Bowman’s initial election, emphasizing racial demographics and the shift in boundaries affecting voting-age populations in the area.
On the national front, Democratic leaders have stressed the importance of centrist candidates in suburban races to secure electoral victories.
In addition to the New York primary results, Democratic voters on Long Island picked John Avlon as their candidate to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Nick LaLota, aiming to flip suburban seats as part of a broader House majority strategy.
Democrats in central New York also selected state Sen. John Mannion as their nominee to take on U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams, a Republican, in a redrawn congressional district.
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney successfully defended her seat against a primary challenge, maintaining her position in the predominantly Republican district.
