New York congressman Jamaal Bowman lost his primary challenge to George Latimer in a closely watched race that exposed a bitter rift within the Democratic party over the Israel-Gaza war.
Bowman, 48, a former middle school principal in the Bronx, was first elected in 2020 after unseating longtime Democratic Rep. Eliot Engel, a pro-Israel hawk, in the primary. That race, much like this one, centered on accusations that the incumbent had lost touch with the diverse, but heavily segregated district, which spans parts of Bronx and Westchester counties.
Latimer, 70, a Democratic political fixture for decades who entered the race at the urging of pro-Israel groups, argued that Bowman’s vocal opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza and his combative political style were out of step with the Jewish population.
“This race was never about me and me alone. It was never about this district and this district alone. It was always about all of us,” Bowman said. “Now, our opponents — not opponent — may have won this round, at this time, in this place. But this will be a battle for our humanity and justice for the rest of our lives.”
Latimer will likely become the next representative from New York’s 16th District, which has historically voted Democrat.
“Tonight, we turn the page and we say that we believe in inclusion of everybody in our representation,” Latimer told his supporters Tuesday. “That you are included no matter what your demographic is. Doesn’t matter your age, color of your skin, your religion, sexual identity, whether you’re a right-hander or a left-hander. Whether you’re a Mets fan or a Yankee fan.”
The race between Bowman and Latimer drew roughly $25 million in ad spending, more than any other House primary in history.