Three factors indicating a potential defeat for the first ‘Squad’ member in New York
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is facing significant challenges in his primary election, with a real possibility of being the first member of the ”Squad” to lose such a contest. His primary opponent, George Latimer, the Westchester County Executive, poses a strong challenge as a centrist Democratic alternative, appealing to a broader range of Democratic voters. Latimer has secured endorsements from influential figures like Hillary Clinton and significant financial backing from organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Bowman, a progressive Democrat, has attempted to leverage support from fellow progressive Democrats in the last stages of his campaign in response to Latimer’s large campaign resources, including $14 million from AIPAC’s super PAC. He has also criticized the heavy financial influence in the election, particularly from AIPAC, suggesting that their involvement is due to his outspoken activism on issues like the situation in Gaza.
Adding to the election drama, Bowman has been notably vocal and active in international human rights issues, including efforts to address the conflict in Gaza, which could also be influencing his primary challenge. The election’s outcome will likely be influenced by how effectively Bowman can mobilize progressive support and counteract the significant resources backing Latimer.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is on the verge of losing his primary to a challenger as several factors work against the “Squad” Democrat’s quest to remain in office.
Bowman is at risk of being the first “Squad” Democrat to lose in his primary despite some efforts in the past that have nearly ousted members, such as one effort against Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). Here are the three key reasons Bowman is on the brink of losing his seat to another Democrat next week.
Strong Democratic challenger
The New York congressman is facing a challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer, who has pitched himself as a centrist Democratic alternative to the progressive Bowman. Latimer is well known in much of the district and has received the backing of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and key pro-Israel group the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, among others.
With Latimer’s name and money to back him up, including a reported $14 million from AIPAC’s super PAC alone, Bowman is calling up several progressive Democrats to support him in the waning days of the primary campaign.
Bowman has also attacked Latimer and his backing by AIPAC by claiming during a debate that the group is “spending more money in this primary than any PAC has ever spent in U.S. history. Why? Because I’m an outspoken black man. I fight against genocide in Gaza, and I fight for justice right here.”
Anti-Israel stances
Bowman has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel, which is in its ninth month of fighting against Hamas terrorists, since the war in Gaza began.
He has been at protests calling for an immediate ceasefire, without conditions on the hostages held by Hamas, and has called reports from Israel of Hamas sexually assaulting Israeli women “propaganda,” a comment he would later walk back.
Bowman’s comments and stances have made him a top target to be ousted, as Israel is generally popular among most voters.
Bowman’s antics in Congress
While Bowman’s anti-Israel stances have taken the spotlight in recent months, another reason voters may elect to oust him, and something his opponent has pointed out, is Bowman’s antics in Congress.
Two incidents from Bowman’s more than three years in Congress include a shouting match he had with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) on the steps of the Capitol in May 2023 and when Bowman pulled a fire alarm as Congress was attempting to gather to vote on preventing a government shutdown in September 2023.
Latimer hit Bowman in a May debate on his antics.
“You need to talk to them as normal people. You can’t preach and scream at them on the steps of the Capitol,” Latimer said. “He’s ineffective for this very reason.”
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Bowman said Latimer was attempting to use the “angry black man” trope.
Voters in New York’s 16th Congressional District will decide on Tuesday whether they want Bowman or Latimer to advance to the general election and almost certainly win in November in the heavily Democratic district.
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