(UnitedVoice.com) – Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) is one of the most vocal members of “The Squad,” a group of progressive lawmakers. He’s also one of the biggest critics of Israel, repeatedly accusing the country of genocide. The congressman, who once pulled a fire alarm in Congress, has now lost his primary for reelection.
On June 26, George Latimer, a pro-Israel Democrat, beat Bowman in the primary election for New York’s 16th District. The race between the two men became the most expensive in House primary history. Groups spent more than $24 million on the race. Over $14 million of that came from the United Democracy Project, a group affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Jewish groups were furious at Bowman for his repeated attacks on Israel after the October 7 terrorist attack that claimed the lives of almost 1,200 people. Bowman, who was the district’s first-ever black representative, accused Latimer of racism during the race. He also accused the Jewish groups of trying to buy the election.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) desperately fought to save her fellow progressive lawmaker but failed miserably. With 88% of the votes counted, Latimer was beating Bowman 58% to 42%. Pollsters called the race because there was no way for the congressman to regain the lead.
Latimer campaigned on a moderate platform and traditional Democratic policies. He attacked both the far left and the far right, saying the American people must tell both groups that they “cannot destroy this country with [their] rhetoric and [their] arguments.”
According to POLITICO, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) endorsed Bowman for reelection and donated to his campaign, but didn’t do much more. Bowman’s allies criticized Jeffries for not being involved. When the votes were counted, the Democratic leader appeared unbothered. Jeffries told reporters, “The results speak for themselves. The voters have spoken,” and left it at that.
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