In the 16th Congressional District of New York, a hard-fought primary battle is taking place between Representative Jamaal Bowman and George Latimer. The race, which has seen significant spending from various political groups, has highlighted the deep divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel and its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Representative Jamaal Bowman, a progressive Democrat, has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in Gaza and called for a permanent cease-fire early on in the conflict. His stance has attracted support from figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
However, Bowman's position on Israel has also drawn significant opposition. The United Democracy Project, a super PAC tied to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), has spent nearly $15 million on ads to oust Bowman and elect George Latimer. Latimer, a centrist Democrat and Westchester County executive, has spent more than three decades in local politics.
Latimer has emphasized his knowledge of the district and relationships there that would allow him to be an effective member of Congress. Bowman, on the other hand, focuses on helping working-class people in the district and engaging young people in politics.
The race has also seen endorsements from various political figures. Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Clinton, Mondaire Jones, Hakeem Jeffries and Josh Gottheimer have all endorsed either Bowman or Latimer.
Bowman has accused AIPAC of attempting to buy democracy with their spending in the race. Latimer has denied that his success is solely due to AIPAC's spending, stating that he was ahead at the outset of the campaign.
The primary election on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, will determine which candidate will represent the Democratic Party in the general election for New York's 16th Congressional District.