In a stunning upset, Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) lost his primary election on Tuesday, dealing a significant blow to House progressives. The Associated Press declared Westchester County Executive George Latimer the winner at 9:38 p.m., with Latimer securing 54.8% of the vote to Bowman’s 45.2%.
The outcome marks a stinging rebuke of Bowman, who has been a vocal critic of Israel and has faced backlash from pro-Israel groups and establishment Democrats. Despite trailing in the polls, Bowman’s loss represents a significant defeat for progressive lawmakers, whose anti-Israel views have sparked controversy.
The 16th Congressional District is a solidly Democratic seat, and Latimer is expected to cruise to victory in the general election in November. Bowman’s loss has sparked widespread attention, with many political observers attributing his defeat to the significant opposition he faced from pro-Israel groups and establishment Democrats.
Notable figures such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) had rallied behind Bowman in the days leading up to the primary, but a number of local and national figures, including former Representative Mondaire Jones and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, endorsed Latimer.
The primary election shattered records, with outside spending exceeding $20 million. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), one of the largest pro-Israel lobbying groups, poured millions into defeating Bowman, with the group’s affiliated organization directing funds towards his defeat.
AIPAC has been actively working to oust a number of House lawmakers who have expressed anti-Israel views, including Representative Cori Bush (D-MO), ahead of the August primary in her St. Louis-area district. The group’s efforts have sparked controversy, with many criticizing its involvement in the political process.
