Progressive Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., suffered a surprising primary defeat on Tuesday to a moderate challenger, George Latimer, who was backed by pro-Israel groups.
The race was the most expensive House primary in history, with a staggering $25 million spent on ad spending, according to AdImpact.
Bowman, 48, was one of Congress’ fiercest critics of Israel and a prominent member of the progressive “squad” of lawmakers of color. His defeat marks the first time a member of the “squad” has been ousted from power since the group formed after the 2018 elections.
Despite his progressive credentials, Bowman was viewed as vulnerable this cycle after committing a series of unforced errors. His campaign was criticized for its disorganization and lack of focus, which allowed Latimer to gain momentum in the final weeks of the race.
Latimer, the Westchester County Executive, was backed by pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which spent nearly $15 million on ads supporting his campaign. The United Democracy Project, a super PAC linked to AIPAC, was the largest spender in the race, pouring in $10 million to support Latimer.
It was always about all of us,” Bowman said at the Grand Roosevelt Ballroom in Yonkers. “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.”
The race was seen as a test of the party’s divisions over the war in Gaza, with Bowman taking a more critical stance on Israel’s actions and Latimer adopting a more moderate position. The outcome is likely to be seen as a victory for the pro-Israel lobby and a setback for progressive forces in the party.
In his concession speech, Bowman vowed to continue fighting for “humanity and justice,” acknowledging that the race was never just about him or his district. “This race was always about all of us,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “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.”
Bowman’s defeat is a significant blow to the progressive movement, which had seen him as a rising star in the party. His loss is likely to be felt in the halls of Congress, where he was a vocal advocate for issues like Palestinian rights, racial justice, and education reform.
The outcome of the race is also a testament to the enduring power of the pro-Israel lobby in Democratic politics. Despite growing criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, AIPAC and its allies continue to wield significant influence in the party, able to mobilize vast resources to support candidates who share their views.
As the dust settles on this bitter and expensive race, progressives are already regrouping and planning their next move. While Bowman’s defeat is a setback, it is unlikely to deter the movement from continuing to push for a more just and equitable society. As Bowman himself said in his concession speech, “This is not the end. This is just the beginning.”
