New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman faced defeat in the Democratic primary against Westchester County Executive George Latimer, marking the first loss for a member of the House 'Squad' of progressive lawmakers. The race in New York's 16th Congressional District was notably significant, with pro-Israel groups backing Latimer with historic levels of spending, making it the most expensive House primary on record.
Bowman, a former middle school principal in the Bronx, was first elected in 2020 after unseating longtime Democratic Rep. Eliot Engel. The primary focused on accusations that the incumbent had lost touch with the diverse but segregated district, spanning parts of Bronx and Westchester counties.
Latimer, a Democratic political fixture, argued that Bowman's opposition to Israel's war in Gaza and his political style were out of step with the electorate, which includes a significant Jewish population in Westchester. The campaign, initially expected to highlight divisions over Israel and Gaza, evolved into a contentious battle involving issues of race and class within the district.
Progressive groups rallied behind Bowman, but outside spending heavily favored Latimer. The super PAC of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) led an advertising blitz in support of Latimer, outspending pro-Bowman groups by a significant margin.
Despite the loss, Bowman emphasized the broader fight for justice and unity, while Latimer celebrated his victory by emphasizing the importance of inclusion and unity in representation. The outcome of the race is expected to have implications for future contests, with AIPAC's significant spending reflecting efforts to influence candidates critical of Israel.
Latimer is now poised for the general election in the deep-blue district, with strong support from local establishment figures. The race highlighted the intersection of political, racial, and class dynamics, underscoring the complexities of representation and political discourse in diverse communities.
