The recent primary defeat of Rep. Jamaal Bowman in New York’s 16th Congressional District has sent ripples through the Democratic Party, highlighting internal divisions and the influence of pro-Israel groups. Bowman, a member of the progressive “Squad,” lost to George Latimer, a moderate candidate supported by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which spent a record $15 million on the race.
AIPAC’s financial involvement underscores a broader strategy to unseat progressive lawmakers critical of Israel. Latimer’s victory is seen as a significant win for the pro-Israel lobby, signaling a pushback against progressive stances within the Democratic Party. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo described Bowman’s defeat as a response to his rhetoric on the Israel-Hamas conflict, while Latimer argued it reflected Bowman’s disconnect with his district.
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Bowman’s defeat also highlights vulnerabilities among progressive candidates. His loss follows a misdemeanor charge for pulling a fire alarm during a government funding vote and past controversial comments about the September 11 attacks. These issues, combined with AIPAC’s significant financial backing of Latimer, played crucial roles in the outcome.
The implications of Bowman’s defeat extend beyond New York. Rep. Cori Bush, another Squad member, faces a similar challenge in Missouri from Wesley Bell, who has received $630,000 from AIPAC. Bush, facing investigations into her campaign finances, has been a vocal critic of AIPAC’s influence, calling their tactics a threat to progressive voices.
Pro-Israel groups have targeted other Squad members, although not all have faced serious challenges. AIPAC sat out of the April 23 primary in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, where incumbent Rep. Summer Lee successfully defended her seat against opponent Bhavini Patel. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York’s 14th District easily defeated her primary opponent, Marty Dolan, winning more than 82% of the vote. However, Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota faces a potentially tough race against Don Samuels, though AIPAC has not yet committed significant resources to that contest.
Progressive groups have expressed frustration over AIPAC’s spending, viewing it as an attempt to stifle dissent within the party. Sen. Bernie Sanders criticized the influence of “billionaire-funded Super PACs,” while Rep. Gregorio Casar stressed the need for progressives to counter such spending.