In a surprising turn of events, the Democratic primary election results in New York’s 16th Congressional District covering the Bronx and Westchester County on the 25th saw incumbent Congressman Jamaal Bowman lose due to his criticism of Israel, with more than a 10-point lead going to George Latimer, the Westchester County Executive. This primary outcome serves as a warning sign to the progressive Democrats in New York State and across the United States.
As of 9:45 p.m., Latimer led with a 55.38% vote share, while Bowman trailed at 44.62%, with 71% of the votes counted.
Although the 70-year-old Latimer will face Republican candidate Madeline Brame in November, he is expected to win easily as the district is under Democratic control.
Latimer entered the race at the urging of Jewish leaders who were unhappy with Bowman’s criticism of Israel. With Bowman accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and opposing a House resolution supporting Israel following a Hamas attack on October 7, major donors rallied behind Latimer, opposing Bowman’s re-election bid.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)-affiliated super PAC spent nearly $15 million on attack ads against Bowman during the primary.
Bowman is part of the progressive faction within the Democratic Party, with key progressive figures such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Senator Bernie Sanders campaigning for him in the final stages; while Latimer received support from former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Bowman sought a third term, and since his initial election in 2020, the boundaries of his district have changed, losing most of the Bronx area and gaining more suburbs in Westchester County. According to census data, 21% of the voting-age population in the district are Black, and 42% are non-Hispanic White, as compared to 30% Black and 34% White in the district before the 2022 primary.