Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York is in a tight race against primary opponent George Latimer, with the issue of Gaza dividing opinions within the Democratic Party.
Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York is facing a significant political challenge that threatens his tenure in the upcoming House primaries on Tuesday. Previously gaining prominence for his direct confrontations with conservative Republicans, Bowman now faces a stiff primary race in his heavily Jewish district.
Bowman’s primary opponent, George Latimer, has arisen amid controversy surrounding Bowman’s stance on Gaza. In the aftermath of October 7, Bowman emerged as a vocal critic of Israel’s war with Hamas, advocating for a cease-fire and opposing American military aid. While this position has galvanized younger Democrats and the party’s left-wing, it has also sparked backlash within his district.
The backlash has led Jewish leaders to support Latimer, with a pro-Israel lobby injecting a record-breaking $15 million into the race. This primary election is seen as a telling indicator of the Democratic Party’s internal divisions over issues such as Gaza and the ideological path the party should navigate.
